Disposal / Recycle Guide
Waste Connections of Canada is proud to serve residential facilities and homeowners as their dedicated recycling partner throughout Canada. We care about a cleaner environment and are increasing our efforts to make recycling in your area easier and more convenient.
Acceptable and not acceptable items vary by location. Please contact your local office for details.
Residential Home Recycling Guide
What is Recycling & Why Should You Recycle?
Recycling is when certain materials are collected, processed and made reusable. While not all materials can be recycled, most can. Trash & waste generate toxic chemicals and greenhouse gasses from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps the environment by reducing the overall amount of pollution caused by waste, landfills, etc.
To help our customers in Canada continue to recycle as much as possible, we’ve developed a comprehensive overview on what you can recycle and how recycling works.
Waste Connections of Canada Recycling Services
Our Offerings Across Our Network Include
Single or multiple-bin collection service
Separated or combined recyclables collection programs
Green waste recycling programs
Cardboard, newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass container, and electronics recycling
What Items You Can Recycle in Canada
The primary recyclable items in Canada are glass, aluminum, paper, cardboard and some plastics. Each province has different regulations on what can be recycled. Below is a quick list of the provinces we serve and links to each region for information on recycling regulations.
Waste Connections of Canada Disposal Guide
What Residential Items Can’t Be Recycled via Curbside Collection in Canada
While some provinces accept the recycling of materials such as paint, tires and even oil, in general these materials are not safe to place in recycle bins due to contamination of other materials. For these types of materials, please reach out to the closest recycling facility and ask about their capabilities.
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Non Acceptable Items
Items
- Propane canisters
- Needles
- Flammable liquids
- Helium tanks
- Knives
- Butane canisters
- Bear spray
- Ammunition
- Flares
- Electronics
- Batteries for e-cigarettes
- Lighters and matches
- Household batteries
- Paint
Paper
- Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
- Ribbons or bows
- Musical greeting cards with batteries
- Rubber bands
Paper packaging/cardboard
- Cardboard boxes with wax coating, such as empty boxes, made available for residents to transport their groceries home
- Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
- Paper bags with a plastic layer
- Paper towels, napkins (include with green waste, if applicable)
- Tissues
Cartons & paper cups
- Straws
- Juice cartons and boxes can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Plastic containers
- Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant or antifreeze products (Check Recyclepedia)
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
- Ceramic plant pots
- Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
- Garden hoses
- Plastic string or rope
- Plastic paint cans (Check Recyclepedia)
- Pails larger than 25L
- Pails for lubricants and oils (Check Recyclepedia)
- Microwavable bowls with metal rims
- Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
- Beverage bottles or jugs for flavoured tea, juice, or other beverages can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Aluminum containers
- Spray paint cans (Check Recyclepedia)
- Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
- Propane cylinders (Check Recyclepedia)
- Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids
Steel containers
- Steel paint cans
- Coat hangers (return to dry cleaners)
- Pots, pans and baking trays
- Propane cylinders
- Metal toys
- Appliances
- Metal hardware or other scrap metal
- Wiring or metal cords, extension cords
- Steel beverage cans can be returned for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Glass bottles & jars
- Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
- Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
Plastic bags/Overwrap
- Kitchen stretch wrap
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Lumber or construction wrap
- Garbage bags (all colours)
Foam packaging
- Liquid-absorbing pads used in trays for meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Labels, tape, paper and cardboard on foam packaging
- Foam peanuts, packing chips, or noodles
- Blue or pink foam board insulation
- Napkins, cutlery
- Squishy or flexible foam
- Furniture cushions
Misc. flexible plastic packaging
- Plastic squeeze tubes
- Plastic-lined paper
- Cellophane wrap
- Plastic strapping
- 6-pack ring
- Biodegradable plastic
- PVC/vinyl
- Squishy foam
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
Waste Connections of Canada Process of Recycling
How Does Recycling Work?
Recycling firstly depends on people making the choice to do so. There is no mandatory law across Canada that actively enforces recycling for homeowners.
Clean every item
When recycling, it’s extremely important to clean every item so it’s spotless. This prevents other materials from becoming contaminated while being transported to recycling facilities.
Waste collection
When blue and green recycle bins are full, they are then collected by Waste Connections of Canada at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or depot.
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Recycling facility (MRF)
Once materials are delivered to a recycling facility, or material recovery facility (MRF), they are sorted and organized by material types. Sorted materials are then inspected for final quality control clean-up before being baled (compressed) together and staged for sale to end markets.
Ask The Can!
What can I recycle?
What is recycling important?
How do I recycle glass/plastic/paper/metal?
What happens to recycled materials?
How can I reduce waste and increase recycling at home?
Are you still uncertain about sizing, pricing, or other details? Contact one of our professionals to get more information regarding which option is the best for you.
Battery Disposal
Incorrect Battery Disposal Can Cause Fires
Common household items seem harmless, however, the batteries in them pose risks when disposed into regular garbage or recycling containers because of their highly flammable nature.
Remove the batteries
Check the electronic devices you need to dispose of. If possible, remove the batteries. If not, bring the whole device to the drop off location.
Store batteries in a safe place
Store batteries in non-metallic containers (plastic, cardboard, or glass) that do not conduct electricity if there is a spark.
Find your local drop off
Find a local electronic disposal store, or find a drop off location near you.
What Happens to My Recycling?
When recyclable materials are organized, they are shipped off to different markets for processing into new raw materials.
Many of the most common items/materials – plastic bottles and papers – are recycled back to their original state/product. This effectively eliminates the ‘life cycle’ of these products, as they can continue to be recycled and reused. Other more complex materials that are recycled are used in creating totally new products, ranging from furniture to clothes.
Partner with Waste Connections of Canada for all Residential Recycling needs.
Let us show you the Waste Connections difference. Enter your location to learn more about residential recycling services in your area.
Residential Services
More Residential Services
Waste Connections of Canada offers convenient pickup times and reliable service. Residential garbage recycling is available wherever we offer garbage pickup.
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