Every Friday, Lynda Steele dips into the viewer mailbag to answer your questions. This week, Steele on Your Side investigates recycling Christmas lights and tipping with gift certificate.
Recycling Christmas lights
Alex wrote us to ask if he could recycle his old Christmas lights and what facilities accept the used items.
Christmas lights are recyclable across the province. They're included in the Light Recycle Program as a lighting fixture, and can be dropped off free-of-charge at designated depots.
Some local hardware stores may also offer holiday light exchanges, so it's worth checking the next time you're out shopping.
Tipping with gift certificates
Shelly wrote us after using a gift certificate at a restaurant. When she went to pay, she was told the tip could not be included as part of the gift certificate amount.
While B.C.’s gift card legislation doesn't specifically address restaurant tips, Consumer Protection BC says a gift certificate is basically considered as cash. That's why gift certificates can no longer expire and should technically cover a tip.
But there are exceptions. If the gift certificate was bought or sold as part of a promotion then terms and conditions are allowed, but they must be disclosed.
