Preparing your recyclables
Preparing your recyclables the right way will ensure your blue cart materials can be safely collected, sorted and turned into new products.
On this page
Empty, clean, loose
Recyclables must be empty and clean before going in the blue cart. This makes sure they can be sorted properly at the recycling facility, prevents other recyclables from getting wet and dirty, and allows manufacturers to use the material to create new products.
Tips for cleaning your recyclables
General cleaning and scraping
- Take a used paper towel or napkin and wipe out any food residue from the container (then you can compost the food-soiled napkin).
- Add a few centimeters of water to a container, cover with your hand or the lid, shake and drain to clean. Repeat if needed.
- Some containers might be a little harder to clean, like peanut butter jars. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out the remaining contents to use up.
- Store near-empty containers upside down to get the last amounts out to use.
- Turn bags and wrappers inside out to shake out contents.
Cleaning tubes
Tubes like toothpaste and lotion tubes do not need to be rinsed or cut open. Simply make sure they are empty before recycling.
- Use up all the contents.
- Squeeze out as much product as possible.
- Replace lid or cap.
Cleaning food and body aerosols
Aerosol containers like cooking spray and hairspray do not need to be rinsed. Do not puncture or cut them open.
- Use up all the contents, spray until nothing comes out.
- Replace the lid, if there is one.
Water-saving tips
- Use gray water to clean recyclables (e.g., plug the sink while you rinse off fruits and veggies, then use this water to clean out recyclables).
- Add dirty containers to any empty spaces in your dishwasher.
- Add water when the container feels empty. Shake and use the diluted solution (e.g., soap, shampoo) until it runs out.
Preparing lids
After emptying and cleaning out your containers, here’s what to do with the accompanying lid.
| Lids and caps on for recycling | Remove lids and recycle separately |
|---|---|
Lids and caps on for recycling:
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Remove lids and recycle separately:
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Why can't I bag recyclables?
- Recyclables need to be loose (unbagged) to be sorted by the machines. Learn how the sorting facility works.
- Bundling of plastic bags and wrappers is no longer required.
For the safety of the workers, garbage bags are marked as garbage and are not opened.
Don't put recyclables in black garbage bags or blue recycling bags.
Other recycling tips
Don’t jam recyclables inside the bin or they won’t fall out during pickup.
Put carts out only on pickup day; otherwise, keep them on your property or against the fence.
Don't know where to put an item?
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