Back to Blue Bin Basics
September is a time for many of us to get back into a routine after taking summer holidays and enjoying the warm weather. With getting back into a routine, it’s a good time to familiarize yourself with what can go in the blue bin, and what to do with items that don’t belong.
Items Accepted for Recycling
- Aluminum cans and lids
- e.g., Soft drink cans, metal cookie tins, energy drink cans
- Boxboard
- e.g., Cereal boxes, tissue paper boxes, paper towel rolls
- Cardboard
- e.g., All sizes of cardboard boxes, non-greasy pizza boxes, shoe boxes
- Cartons
- e.g., Juice boxes, milk cartons, soup cartons, ice cream containers
- Glass
- e.g., Glass jars, clear and coloured wine bottles, glass drink bottles
- Paper
- e.g., Magazines, office paper, paper bags, store receipts
- Household plastic packaging, #1-5 and #7
- e.g., Plastic water bottles, laundry jugs, margarine containers, vitamin bottles
Accepted through Depots and Drop-off Locations
There are many more items that can be recycled, but not in your curbside blue bin. Learn where to bring more items in your household to be recycled. Always check with your community or the Recyclepedia before bringing your items to a depot or drop-off location.
- Batteries
- Bicycles
- Ceramics
- Electronics
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
- Large appliances
- Large plastics
- Oil
- Plastic bags
- Scrap metal
- Textiles
- Tires
- Yard waste
Unaccepted Items
- Aluminum foil, pie plates, and trays
- Black plastics
- Food waste
- Paper towels and napkins
- Plastic cutlery and plates
- Plastic film (i.e., Chip bags, plastic wrap)
- Pots and pans
- Straws
- Styrofoam
- Take-out beverage containers
If you’re ever unsure about what is accepted, check the Recyclepedia! It’s the main source of recycling information for the province. It has over materials to help you know where to dispose of your items and is being updated constantly. It also comes in 13 different languages. Download the Recyclepedia app on your phone, free for both Apple and Android devices.
