FAQ

Because they are all covered by extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR is the guiding principle of the curbside recycling system in Quebec. It makes companies responsible for managing the containers, packaging, and printed paper they put on the market, from design to end of life.

In addition, by putting all containers, packaging, and printed paper in your bin (except for the exceptions), you help increase the volume of materials that do not have a recycling stream yet — meaning a system that allows them to have a second life.

You are therefore helping to develop markets for their future recovery.

Bin Impact is the new reference for curbside collection. We are here to raise awareness, educate, and inform all of Quebec about what goes in the blue bin.

Why? Good sorting habits at home are the first step in the curbside collection system. By putting containers, packaging, and printed paper in the bin, we help give them a second life. If everyone does their part, all of Quebec society benefits.

Collection trucks take the contents to a sorting centre. There, machines and people sort the containers, packaging, and printed paper, as well as bundle them into bales.

Éco Entreprises Québec then sells these bales to conditioning and recycling companies that transform and repurpose them. The materials can be returned to their original form or turned into completely different products.

Yes, because it is packaging. Even if it is soiled, it can be recovered. Remove food scraps, ball it up without compressing it too tightly, and place it in your bin. This simple action helps sorting centres identify aluminum foil more easily and give it a second life.

Nespresso capsules must be placed in the green Nespresso bag. (You do not need to empty them.) Once the bag is full, put it in the blue bin.

Other coffee capsules must be emptied before being placed in the bin. You do not need to group them: they can go loose in the bin.

No. Wine glasses, plates, bowls, or other dishware are considered “durable goods”, meaning they can be used for more than five years. These items contaminate other materials.

If they can be reused, take them to a donation centre or thrift store. If they are broken, contact your municipality to learn how to dispose of them properly.

No. Books are printed paper, but they are also durable goods, which means they can be used for more than five years. Novels, comic books, and dictionaries do not go in the bin.

The only “books” that go in the bin are those with a useful life of less than five years, such as programs, agendas, school textbooks, or phone directories. If the cover is not paper, it is best to remove it before placing it in the bin.

Containers and packaging made of compostable or biodegradable plastic are most often labelled as such. If a container or packaging says “compostable” or “biodegradable,” it does not go in the blue bin. It is not recyclable and contaminates other materials.

No. Since January 1, 2025, the rules have been simplified and standardized across Québec. You no longer need to worry about numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 on containers and packaging, which refer to different types of plastics. This no longer matters. Whether they have a number or not, all plastic containers and packaging go in the blue bin.

For ready-to-drink plastic beverage containers from 100 ml to 2 L, a deposit has applied since March 1, 2025. This includes bottles for water, sparkling water, juice, and other beverages such as flavoured water, and spirits. To get a refund for the deposit paid, you can return them to a drop-off point operated by Consignaction.

You can also put them in your bin if you prefer: the choice is yours. These containers will still be recovered, sorted, and recycled, but your deposit will not be refunded.

No. Light bulbs are neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper. If placed in the bin, they can be dangerous for sorting centre workers. Some contain toxic materials like mercury. That’s why there is a specific, safe way to dispose of them.

Contact your municipality to find drop-off points near you.

No, because they are neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper.

Want to give them a second life? Take them to a reuse drop-off point. You can also contact your municipality to find one nearby.

Yes. All types of paper that are not meant for food use go in the bin, because they are printed paper. They often contain text, patterns, or images.

Put them directly in the bin, and that’s it!

Yes, if possible. Separate them, then place them loose in the blue bin without nesting them.

You can also remove labels if they come off easily. Otherwise, it is fine to leave them on the container or packaging.

No, because they are neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper. They must be taken to an appropriate drop-off location, such as a pharmacy, hardware store, or other place where batteries are sold.

You can also contact your municipality to find drop-off points near you.

No. Utensils are neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper. Whether they are plastic, metal, or wood, they do not go in the bin.

If they are in good condition, take them to a reuse drop-off point. Otherwise, your municipality can tell you how to dispose of them properly.

Remove large caps from containers if they are made of different materials. However, small caps should stay on — otherwise, they may fall through sorting equipment. If in doubt, leave the cap on the container. This is the best way to ensure it is recovered.

If they are part of a container, packaging, or printed paper, they can go loose in the blue bin.

No. You do not need to crush containers and packaging, like plastic bottles or cardboard boxes, before putting them in the bin — unless you want to save space.

Food polystyrene packaging, like trays for vegetables, fruit, or meat, goes in the bin.

Polystyrene (styrofoam) packaging used to protect appliances or furniture is an exception. It does not go in the bin because it breaks apart, disrupts sorting centre operations, and contaminates other materials. Take it to a municipal drop-off point. Check your municipality’s website to find one near you.

No. A cooler or toolbox is considered a durable good, meaning it can be used for more than five years.

If they are in good enough condition to be reused, bring them to a reuse drop-off point. If they are broken, contact your municipality to find out how to dispose of them properly.

No, this is no longer necessary since sorting centre equipment has improved. Plastic bags go loose in the blue bin.

Material type is no longer what matters. Since January 1, 2025, you must ask whether what you’re putting in the bin is a container, packaging, or printed paper.

Metal containers and packaging go in the bin. Aluminum foil is packaging, so it goes in the bin. A can also goes in the bin, because it is a container. Your car bumper, however, is neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper, so it does not go in the bin. Sorting centre workers will have to remove it before it reaches the sorting line.

Need help knowing what goes in the bin? Check this quick reference guide.

It’s your choice. Everything you put in the bin will be transported and sorted at the sorting centre, and then sent to Consignaction for recycling.

No one will mind, but you won’t get your deposit refunded.

If your bin is cracked, has a broken wheel, or a missing lid, contact your municipality to have it replaced.

Contact your municipality. It is responsible for collecting and transporting the containers, packaging, and printed paper placed in your blue bin. It is also responsible for sharing the collection schedule and notifying you of any delays or changes.

Contact your municipality to get educational and awareness materials about recovery. Éco Entreprises Québec, owner of Bin Impact and manager of curbside collection in Québec, has worked closely with municipalities to develop these materials.