When Jaewon Kim鈥檚 parents moved to Canada from Seoul, South Korea, they were looking for a small business to run as a family. The Encorp Return-It Depot in Courtenay fit perfectly, so the family picked up and moved to the Island in 2003.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good business! We started with just beverage containers, and now we鈥檝e expanded to accepting electronics, appliances, paint, packaging and paper, and more,鈥� Kim says. 鈥淎s the provincial government approves more stewardship programs we are able to expand our services and offer our customers more convenience.鈥�

In the nearly two decades that Kim has been involved in the family business (he now runs the depot with his sister Emily) his appreciation for the recycling industry has grown.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really effective way to help clean the city, and clean BC. There are other places around the world 鈥� even other first world countries 鈥� where there are recyclables all over the highways, rivers and lakes because no one鈥檚 picking it up,鈥� he says.

Help your community, big and small

The is a cornerstone of the community, not only providing a key service but inviting citizens to participate in making their home better for everyone. You do your part to recycle to keep the town and the planet clean, and it鈥檚 important to do your part at the depot to clean your products to keep smells and wasps away!

• Clean products: 鈥淛ust rinsing your containers really helps eliminate smells and keep wasps away,鈥� Kim says.
• Donate your refund: Many local sports teams and charities have accounts set up with , so making a donation is simple. 鈥淚t can be a great boost of funding to charities.鈥�
• Be patient: Jaewon Kim strives to be a convenient one-stop-shop for customers, but the depot is limited by government regulations and can鈥檛 accept all items. 鈥淪ometimes people get upset when we can鈥檛 take an item, or they鈥檒l leave it on the side of our building,鈥� Kim says. Be a good neighbour, and treat the depot as you鈥檇 like to be treated.

Now hiring!

Interested in becoming a team member? The Courtenay Return It Depot is hiring!

鈥淚t鈥檚 often a great job for people who are passionate about the environment and want to help make a difference,鈥� Kim says.

Work hours are flexible and there鈥檚 never a dull moment at the busy Courtenay centre. Email courtenayreturnit@gmail.com or visit the depot for more information.

Find the depot at , open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.