Refill Station FAQ
As you may have heard, we’ve renovated our 109th st. Southside location! We’ve torn down walls and spruced things up for a more accessible, welcoming space. With utmost anticipation, we’ve added our new zero-waste Refill Station!
What is a refill station? Here, you may come with your clean, reusable containers to have them filled with our exciting new array of home & body care goods! We’ve had some questions, so we’ve put together this FAQ to help one another on our way to a greener, more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us!
Why did Kolya decide to introduce a refill station now?
What is Kolya’s stance on eco-responsibility?
Will Kolya be offering a refill station at other locations?
Does buying in bulk mean the product is less expensive?
Is there a minimum order?
Do you accept returns?
Do you offer volume discounts?
Can you bring in [X] product?
Why does Kolya no longer serve tea?
How do I prepare for a visit to your refill station?
How do I clean my reusable containers?
If I’m refilling the exact same item, does my container still need to be perfectly clean?
What happened to your classes?
Why did Kolya decide to introduce a refill station now?
It’s been a long time coming! Kolya has always been passionate about sustainable living for both the planet and the wellness of our bodies. We are ever-learning and ever-growing.
See Kolya’s history timeline here!
What is Kolya’s stance on eco-responsibility?
See article: Kolya’s Quality Standards
Will Kolya be offering a refill station at other locations?
While there are no plans set in stone (yet), we hope to bring eco-living to all three of our Optimum Health and Kolya locations, depending on available space.
Does buying in bulk mean the product is less expensive?
At Kolya, quality and sustainability is the name of the game. Yes, we are now offering bulk quantities in refillable, reusable containers, yet we still maintain the same high standards we always have. Although there is a slight packaging discount (and a reduction where possible), this does not necessarily indicate “cheap” products.
Our objective is to reduce packaging waste and divert plastic from landfills and oceans. Our staff are paid fair, liveable wages, and we do not compromise when it comes to sourcing—that means to the best of our ability, we offer fair, ethical sources, and ingredients that do not compromise the integrity of our natural biosphere. These high standards, unfortunately, do not always come inexpensively.
See here: Kolya’s Quality Standards
That said, you may still shop our quality products on a budget! Having control over the quantity you purchase means you can still shop with a budget in mind. With our Refill Station, you may buy as little or as much as you’d like!
Is there a minimum order?
You may refill as little or as much as you’d like! That’s the beauty of buying in bulk!
Do you accept returns?
Due to the nature of our items, and our inability to guarantee the purity of our products once they have been transferred to customer’s home containers, we are unable to accept returns on refill items. All Refill Station purchases are final sale.
Do you offer large volume discounts?
While unusually high quantities may be available by special order, we are presently unable to offer wholesale discounts.
Can you bring in [X] product?
If we don’t have it and you want it, let us know! We are always open to suggestions, and in many cases can place special orders. If enough people want it, it can easily be added to our offerings!
I miss your teas! Why does Kolya no longer serve tea?
In compliance with Alberta Health Services regulations, we may no longer offer food items such as tea in the same area as our Refill Station. As we proceed with our next phases of renovation (to be determined), we hope to be able to offer tea again.
Tea lovers, fret not! We are still offering our favourite organic teas and tea blends. Pick them up on our shelves alongside our organic herbs and botanicals. We are even in the midst of switching over to new 100% biodegradable packaging!
How do I prepare for a visit to your refill station?
It’s easy!
Check out this article: Preparing For Your First Visit to Kolya’s Refill Station
How do I clean my reusable containers?
See here: Choosing the Right Container for Kolya's Zero-Waste Refill Station
Can I mix two different products into the same container?
Due to our taring process and in the interest of minimizing accidental waste, we cannot presently mix different products into the same container.
If I’m refilling the exact same item, does my container still need to be perfectly clean?
Simply put, our products are as pure as they come, with no additives—in most cases, this includes preservatives. Any residue remaining in a refillable jar is a potential hazard for bacterial and fungal growth. For this reason, even if the container is being refilled with the exact same product as before, the container must be completely clean, dry, and sterile upon refilling.
An exception to this are large laundry bottles with pour spouts, because as you know if you use these bottles - that last bit is near impossible to get out. Please ensure NO other product other than laundry soap has been inside the container, and that it is free of excessive damage and contaminants.
See here: Choosing the Right Container for Kolya's Zero-Waste Refill Station
What happened to your classes?
Due to spacing, COVID-19, and licensing, we are presently discontinuing our DIY apothecary classes. Unfortunately, everything about classes is not COVID-friendly: we can’t smell delicious ingredients with masks on, we can’t pass items around, we can’t huddle in close to “ooh” and “ahh”. We are weighing our options for new teaching opportunities.
This does not mean they are gone forever. We will have news on this in the future - stay tuned!