Better recovery for better recycling
Containers, packaging, printed paper
No need to think about plastic numbers, recycling symbols, or the type of material to know what goes in the blue bin. Just ask yourself: is it a container, packaging, or printed paper?
Containers and packaging
It’s easy to recognize them!
- A container comes with a cap or lid.
- Packaging is used to transport a product easily.
Examples of containers and packaging
- Household cleaning product container
- Food packaging, jars, and containers
- Cardboard box
- Aluminum plate and foil
- Takeout and prepared food packaging
Discover what our TikTok bin has to teach you about containers and packaging! (In French only.)
Printed paper
This is paper that is not intended for food use, on which you can find text, patterns, or images.
Examples of printed paper
- Newspaper and flyer
- Envelope
- Sheet of paper
- Notebook
- Lottery ticket
- Invoice
Discover what our TikTok bin has to teach you about printed paper! (In French only.)
The sorting game
Ready to test your sorting skills? Here’s a hint: Only containers, packaging, and printed paper go in the blue bin. But watch out—there are exceptions.
Exceptions
Three exceptions to the containers, packaging, and printed paper rule—know them to sort right
1) Aerosol containers
Take them to a drop-off point that accepts them. You can contact your municipality to find one near you.
Discover what our TikTok bin has to teach you about aerosol containers! (In French only.)
2) Protective polystyrene (styrofoam) packaging
Take them to a drop-off point that accepts them. You can contact your municipality to find one near you.
3) Biodegradable and compostable plastic containers and packaging
They contaminate other recyclable materials. Contact your municipality to find out how to dispose of them properly.
When in doubt, see the " Ça va où " app
The “Ça va où?” app is your ally for better recovery at home. Download it so your blue bin can make a positive impact.
The difference between recovery and recycling
Recovery and recycling are not the same. Recyclable materials are roughly sorted and placed in the blue bin. Recycling is when the materials in our bin are transformed after the sorting centre. Recyclable materials are turned back into raw materials and given a second life.
Everyone is responsible for their bin
Doing our part means choosing the right recyclable materials to put in the blue bin. This good sorting habit reduces the risk of problems and hazards at the sorting centre. It also directly improves the quality of the materials leaving the sorting centre to be recycled.
That’s why we took note of some good things to do at home when you recover recyclable materials.
Empty containers and packaging before putting them in the blue bin. No need to fully wash them or put them in the dishwasher. A quick rinse or some dish water soap does the trick: it prevents mould or odours, which can be unpleasant in your bin and harmful to the health of sorting centre workers.
If possible, separate the materials that make up the same container, packaging, or printed paper. For example, remove the cereal bag from its box before putting it in the bin.
Why? This way, sorting center employees and equipment can adequately identify the different materials. Some equipment on the sorting line attracts metal, while other types use fans to lift light plastics.
And what about caps? Remove large caps from containers if they are made of different materials. Leave small caps (less than 2 inches in circumference) in place so they don’t fall through the net at the sorting centre. If in doubt, leave the cap on: that way, it has the best chance of being recovered.
If you’ve used aluminum foil for cooking or covering food, remove food scraps, ball it up without compacting it too much, and put it in the bin, even if it’s slightly soiled.
Your containers, packaging, and printed paper go loose in the blue bin: do not nest them inside one another. For example, don’t put a mustard jar inside a cereal box.
Why? This way, they are ready to be sorted efficiently at the sorting center.
By breaking down boxes, you save space in your bin and prevent overflow between collections.
Once the bin is full, go a step further
You can make collection easier once your bin is outside. How?
Make sure your bin is accessible for trucks and properly positioned:
- Place it 60 cm away from a car, another bin, a fire hydrant, etc.
- Position it with handles and wheels facing your home.
- Make sure it is visible and accessible for the collection truck operator. In winter, remove snow from the lid.
- Close it properly and don’t overfill it: water and snow should not accumulate inside. Wet material is harder to sort and recycle.
- Avoid placing objects on the lid.
Learn more about curbside recycling in your area
Your municipality is your best ally for proper recovery. Visit its website to learn everything, e.g. collection schedules in your neighbourhood, questions about your blue bin and your municipal drop-off point
How much of an impact does my bin have?
What you put in the blue bin can have a big impact. By sorting correctly, you’re also contributing to the circular economy.