Transforming Beverage Container Recycling in British Columbia with our DRS Platform

Our Approach

As the operator of British Columbia’s beverage container deposit system, Encorp Pacific (Canada) was tasked with modernizing its infrastructure to meet rising consumer expectations, health and safety protocols, and recovery targets. The system faced growing pressure to reduce in-person bottlenecks at depots, simplify the user return process, and ensure traceability across a decentralized network of locations. Without digital integration and scalable infrastructure, Encorp risked stagnating participation rates, inefficient refund reconciliation, and limited access in underserved areas.

The initial Express Bag Drop system, developed in 2014, enabled users to create accounts, print bag labels, and track refunds, streamlining processes by eliminating manual sorting and minimizing face-to-face interactions. The platform supported self-serve Bag Drop Kiosks at select depots, facilitating secure, account-linked drop-offs with automated processing, and was integrated with solar-powered, contactless Express & GO stations.

In 2025, LT3 DRS significantly enhanced the Return-It Express platform. This comprehensive refresh introduced Android and iOS apps, along with a scalable and secure infrastructure, expanding user accessibility, improving customer experience, and delivering real-time reporting with refund traceability for operators and regulators.

The Result

The Return-It Express program has experienced significant growth and user adoption. As of 2025, nearly 375,000 customers had registered for the service. The integration of digital tools, Bag Drop Kiosks, and contactless stations has not only improved user experience but also ensured compliance with health and safety guidelines. LT3’s scalable infrastructure continues to support the expansion of the Return-It Express program, reinforcing British Columbia’s commitment to a more efficient and user-friendly recycling system.