Disposal/Recycle Guide
Enviro Connexions is proud to serve residential facilities and homeowners as their dedicated recycling partner throughout Québec. We care about a cleaner environment and are increasing our efforts to make recycling in your area easier and more convenient.
Our offerings across our network include
What is Recycling & Why You Should 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.
How Does Recycling Work
Recycling first 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 Enviro Connexions at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or depot.
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.
Transforming Waste
Committed to the quest for a cleaner future, at Enviro Connexions, we are reinventing waste management. Discover our innovative approach to turning waste into sustainable and positive environmental solutions.
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.
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.
Unacceptable Items
Items
- Propane canisters
- Needles
- Flammable liquids
- Helium tanks
- Knives
- Butane canisters
- Bear spray
- Ammunition
- Flares
- Electronics
- E-cigarettes batteries
- Lighters and matches
- Household batteries
- Paint
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)
- Microwave 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
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
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
Paper Packaging/Cardboard
- Cardboard boxes with wax coating, such as empty boxes made available for residents to carry their supplies 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
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
Glass Bottles & Jars
- Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
- Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
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
Plastic Bags/Overwrap
- Kitchen stretch wrap
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Lumber or construction wrap
- Garbage bags (all colours)
Paper
- Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
- Ribbons or bows
- Musical greeting cards with batteries
- Rubber bands
Cartons & Paper Cups
- Straws
- Juice cartons and boxes can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
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 Enviro Connexions for All Residential Recycling Needs
Let us show you the Enviro Connexions difference. Enter your location to learn more about residential recycling services in your area.
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.
Ask The Can!
Here are some common items that are often recyclable in Enviro Connexions recycling programs:
Paper: This includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, and paper packaging.
Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard boxes and other cardboard packaging are typically recyclable.
Glass: Glass bottles and jars are commonly recyclable. Be sure to rinse them out before recycling.
Plastic: Many types of plastic containers can be recycled. Look for recycling symbols and numbers on plastic items to determine if they are accepted.
Metal: Aluminum cans and steel/tin cans are often recyclable. Rinse them out before recycling.
Electronics: Some places accept electronics for recycling. Check with local electronic recycling programs for details.
Batteries: Certain types of batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, can be recycled. Some retailers have drop-off locations for battery recycling.
Textiles: Some areas have textile recycling programs that accept old clothing and fabric items.
Household Hazardous Waste: Items like paint, batteries, and chemicals may need to be taken to specialized disposal facilities. They should not be placed in regular recycling bins.
Compost: Organic materials like food scraps and yard waste can often be composted rather than thrown in the trash.
Appliances: Large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines may be recyclable through specialized programs.
Recycling is important because it conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, minimizes waste sent to landfills, and helps protect the environment. Recycling helps preserve valuable natural resources like metals and minerals while saving energy compared to producing goods from raw materials. It also reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases, contributing to efforts to combat climate change. Recycling minimizes the volume of waste in landfills, extending their lifespan, and decreasing pollution. Moreover, recycling promotes sustainable living, job creation, and environmental education, benefiting local economies and communities. Overall, recycling plays a vital role in global environmental conservation and sustainability.
Recycling glass, plastic, paper, and metal typically involves a straightforward process, but it can vary depending on your location and the specific recycling program in your area.
Here are some general guidelines on how to recycle these common materials:
Glass Recycling: Rinse glass containers to remove any food residue.Remove any non-glass components like caps, corks, or plastic rings.
Place the glass containers in a designated glass recycling bin or container. Check with your local recycling program for any specific requirements or restrictions.
Plastic Recycling: Check the recycling symbol and number on plastic items. Not all plastics are recyclable, so look for numbers 1 through 7, with some exceptions.
Rinse and clean plastic containers to remove any food or liquid residues.
Remove labels or stickers if possible.Separate plastic bags and films, as they may require separate recycling processes.Place eligible plastic items in a designated recycling bin.
Paper Recycling: Recyclable paper items include newspapers, magazines, office paper, cardboard, and paper packaging. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space. Remove any non-paper items like plastic windows from envelopes.Place paper materials in a designated recycling bin or container. Avoid heavily soiled or contaminated paper items, as they may not be recyclable.
Metal Recycling: Common recyclable metals include aluminum and steel or tin cans.Rinse metal containers to remove food residue.Remove any non-metal components like labels or plastic lids.Place metal items in a designated recycling bin.
Remember to follow your local recycling guidelines, as they may have specific requirements or variations in what can be recycled. Additionally, it's important to keep recyclables clean and free from contamination, as contaminated materials can disrupt the recycling process.
Recycled materials go through a series of processes to be transformed into new products. The exact recycling process can vary depending on the material being recycled. The recycled materials are then used to manufacture a wide range of new products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials. Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing goods from raw materials. It also helps divert materials from landfills, contributing to waste reduction and environmental protection.
Reducing waste and increasing recycling at home is an excellent way to minimize your environmental impact and contribute to sustainability. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve these goals:
1. Know Your Local Recycling Guidelines:
Familiarize yourself with the recycling guidelines specific to your area. Different regions may have varying rules and accepted materials.
2. Set Up a Recycling Station: Create a designated recycling area in your home with separate bins or containers for different recyclables (e.g., paper, plastic, glass, metal). Make it convenient for family members to recycle.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Minimize your use of single-use plastics like plastic bags, bottles, and straws. Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel bottles, and reusable straws.
4. Avoid Over-Packaged Products: Choose products with minimal packaging whenever possible. Buying products in larger quantities can reduce packaging waste.
5. Use Reusable Containers: Replace disposable containers and wrapping with reusable options for food storage and transportation.
6. Mindful Shopping: Before making a purchase, consider whether you really need the item and whether it is recyclable or reusable. Choose products made from recycled materials when possible. By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce waste and increase recycling at home, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
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.
Our Residential Services
Enviro Connexions offers convenient pickup times and reliable service. Residential recycling is available in many places where we offer garbage pickup.