What does (and doesn’t) go in the blue bin
Find out what goes in the blue bin—and what doesn’t. Hint: only containers, packaging, and printed paper belong in the bin.
Does it go in the bin?
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The flyer with Saint-Jean specials
You couldn't pass up the Saint-Jean deals, and you were right! A great deal for your blue bin too: the flyer is a printed paper.
The flyer
It's printed paper. Place it in your blue bin. Don't nest it inside a container or packaging.
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The ticket from your show on Les Plaines
The show was epic, and the night with friends, unforgettable. The memories stay, but the ticket goes in the blue bin – it's a printed paper.
The show ticket
Nothing simpler. It's printed paper! Place it separately in your blue bin. Don't nest it inside a container or packaging.
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The receipt from your grocery run
Sticker shock? What matters is the party. Forget about it and drop your receipt in the blue bin. It's a printed paper.
The receipt
It's printed paper. Place it separately in your blue bin. Don't nest it inside a container or packaging.
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The delivery box from your last-minute order
You ordered decorations just in time to celebrate Saint-Jean. Your empty box would make a great gift for your blue bin – it's packaging!
The delivery box
It's packaging. Flatten it, fold it to save space, and place it in your blue bin.
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The fire starter box from your Saint-Jean bonfire
The marshmallows roasted, the guitars played, and you sang your heart out. Light up your blue bin's heart and give it your empty box – it's packaging.
The fire starter box
It's packaging. Crush it or fold it if needed and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The beer case from your night with friends
You partied hard with your friends. Don't leave the empty case behind! Let your blue bin enjoy it too – it's packaging.
The cardboard beer case
It's packaging. Flatten it and fold it to save space in your blue bin. Place it separately. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The meat tray from your festive grill
The ribs were as big a hit as your party. Good news, your blue bin loves that too – it's packaging.
The meat tray
It's packaging. Remove the absorbent pad, give it a quick rinse if needed with dish water or a splash of water, and place the tray separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The aluminum foil from your sandwich
It kept your sandwich fresh until the Sarahmée show. Your blue bin wants a taste too – it's packaging.
Aluminum foil
It's packaging. Scrunch it into a ball (not too tight) and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The hot dog bun bag from the party
The hot dogs had their moment of glory tonight! The empty bag wants to finish its party in the blue bin – it's packaging.
The hot dog bun bag
It's packaging. Shake out the last crumbs and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging. No more bags in bags.
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The charcoal bag from your BBQ
You proved your BBQ game is on fire. Now drop your empty charcoal bag in the blue bin – it's packaging.
The charcoal bag
It's packaging. Make sure it's completely empty and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The squeaky cheese curd bag
No poutine without squeaky cheese curds, and no Saint-Jean without a blue bin for the bag – it's packaging.
The squeaky cheese curd bag
It's packaging. Make sure you've eaten the last bits before placing it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The frozen burger box for your BBQ
The BBQ gave off its last flames and the bellies are full. Give your blue bin a spark of hope and drop the empty box in. It's packaging.
The frozen burger box
It's packaging. Flatten the box and fold it to save space in your blue bin. Place it separately. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The plastic wrap from your pasta salad
Your colourful pasta salad fuelled you all night long. Drop the plastic wrap in the blue bin. It's packaging.
Plastic wrap
It's packaging. Place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The cup from your blue lemonade
Thirsty after belting out every Alaclair Ensemble track? Your blue bin will be happy: the cup is a container, drop it in!
The lemonade cup
It's a container. Drink the last drops and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging. Separate the lid if there is one.
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The empty pickle jar from your picnic
The pickles were devoured between rounds of "Happy Saint-Jean!" To celebrate, drop the jar in the blue bin, it's a container.
The empty pickle jar
It's a container! Empty it and give it a quick rinse if needed with dish water or a splash of water before placing it in the blue bin. Separate the lid from the jar if it's made of a different material and if it's large. (When in doubt, leave it on!)
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The Smurf-flavoured ice cream tub
You savoured your last spoonful watching your parents do line dancing. Smurf that empty tub into the blue bin, it's a container.
The ice cream tub
It's a container. Empty it, give it a quick rinse if needed with dish water or a splash of water. Place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside another container or packaging.
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The mayo tube from your hot-dog steamé
Mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, or all of the above? Either way, no debate for your blue bin: the empty mayo tube goes in, it's a container. Same goes for the other empty containers of your fave condiments.
The mayo tube
It's a container. Make sure it's empty, give it a quick rinse if needed with dish water or a splash of water, and place it in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The takeout box from your poutine
The food truck kept you fuelled between Bleu Jeans Bleu songs? Your poutine box is gonna be a hit for your blue bin. It's packaging.
The takeout box
It's packaging. Empty the leftovers and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The veggie tray from your block party
Your neighbours loved the veggies. Keep sharing the good stuff by tossing your empty tray in the blue bin. It's a container.
The veggie tray
It's a container. Empty the leftovers, give it a quick rinse if needed with dish water or a splash of water, and place it separately in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The dip container from your Saint-Jean party
Dip is a hit. And the empty container? It looks great in the blue bin. It's a container!
The dip container
It's a container. Empty the leftovers and give it a quick rinse with a splash of water or dish water before placing it in the blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The cleaner bottle that gave its all
You've cleaned every corner of your place, even the tops of your cabinets. That's no small feat! Now, put that empty cleaner bottle in your blue bin. It's a container.
The spray bottle
It's a container, and it goes in your blue bin. Make sure the bottle is empty, and leave the trigger on. Put the bottle separately in the bin, without nesting it inside other containers and packaging.
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The paper towel packaging lying around in the basement
You bought paper towels for spring cleaning, but don't know what to do with the packaging lying around? It goes in your blue bin. Plus, you don't need to make bags of bags with other packaging. Sorting centre machines don't like that!
Paper towel roll packaging
It's packaging. Make sure it's empty before putting it separately in your blue bin. Don't nest it inside other containers or packaging. No more "bags of bags"!
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Your vintage 90s magazine
Your blue bin also wants to take the "Are you more Rachel Green or Monica Geller?" quiz. Give it your old printed paper and settle this important question once and for all.
The vintage magazine
It's printed paper. Put it separately in your blue bin, without nesting it inside a container or packaging. It'll help the sorting centre machines do their job properly.
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The cleaning wipes container that witnessed your cleaning spree
The top of your stove is so shiny you could see yourself in it, and your cleaning wipes container is empty. It's a container, give it to your blue bin. It wants to shine too!
The cleaning wipes container
It's a container. Make sure it's empty before putting it in your blue bin. Don't nest it inside another container or packaging to make sorting easier.
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The dust-filled envelopes
Done sorting through the bills that piled up all winter? Put the envelopes in your blue bin, it pays off! They're printed paper.
Envelopes
It's printed paper. Put the envelope in your blue bin, without nesting it inside another container or packaging.
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The light bulb box from your spring lighting blitz
Spring cleaning motivated you to change ALL the burnt-out bulbs in the apartment. Make another bright decision and give the empty box to your blue bin. It's packaging.
The light bulb box
It's packaging and it goes in your blue bin. Flatten the box to save space in your bin and put it separately, without nesting it.
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The envelope from your latest package
You got it, you received Bridgerton book 5! Before you start reading, put the envelope in your blue bin so it doesn't get jealous. It's packaging.
The package envelope
It's packaging. Put it separately in your blue bin, without nesting it inside a container or other packaging. The sorting centre machines will be able to process it better.
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Your 2009 calendar
In 2009, Lady Gaga had just released Poker Face. Maybe you can turn the page? Stop living in the past and put that old calendar in your blue bin. It's printed paper.
The paper calendar
Nothing is simpler. It's printed paper! Put the calendar separately in your blue bin, without nesting it inside a container or packaging.
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One too many pizza boxes
Just because you love Hawaiian pizza (no judgment!) doesn't mean you should keep the box. Let your blue bin have a taste too! It's packaging.
The pizza box (even soiled)
It's packaging, so even soiled, it goes in your blue bin! Make sure it's empty before putting it in your blue bin. Flatten your box if need to save space.
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The sunscreen tube from your trip down South
You had a great time on the beach, but your empty sunscreen tube doesn't need to extend its stay in your travel bag. It's a container, it goes in your blue bin!
The sunscreen tube
It's a container. Make sure it's empty, then put the tube in the bin without nesting it with other containers or packaging.
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The empty pickle jar
Smoked meat + pickles = winning combo! Empty jar + blue bin = triple winning combo! It's a container, so give it a quick rinse and put it in your blue bin.
The pickle jar
It's a container! Empty it and rinse it lightly if needed with dish water or a quick spray of water before putting it in your blue bin. Separate the lid from the jar, because they're not made of the same materials and the lid is big enough not to get lost at the sorting centre.
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The box from your new running shoes
You made a resolution to start running in the spring. Now's the time. Take out your new shoes and put the box in your blue bin. It's packaging.
The shoe box
If you've accumulated boxes in your closet, we recommend flattening them to save space in your blue bin. Put this packaging separately, without nesting it.
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The destroyed box from the Christmas toy
Santa’s finished his rounds. Now give your blue bin a gift by putting the empty toy boxes in it—they’re packaging.
Cardboard box
It’s packaging so it goes in the blue bin. Take the time to break down the box. It will help you manage space in your bin between pick-ups.
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The sugar bag from the yule log
The kids helped you make the icing for the yule log. Time to give your blue bin a sweet treat! Make sure the bags are empty and place them separately in the blue bin.
Sugar bag
It’s packaging. Simply place it in the blue bin once it’s empty, and don’t nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The cranberry container from the holiday meal
Your cranberry sauce is a sure thing (and just sweet enough). Don't let your blue bin go hungry. Put the container in. It's packaging.
Cranberry container
The punnet is packaging, so make sure it’s completely empty before placing it in your blue bin.
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The egg mix box from your Christmas brunch
Your legendary four-cheese omelet is proudly displayed on the table beside Mom’s hash browns. The egg mix box goes in the blue bin; the omelet goes in your belly!
Liquid egg box
It’s a container. It must be emptied and lightly rinsed with a water jet or dishwasher if necessary. Don’t nest it inside another container or packaging. If there’s a cap, since it’s small, leave it on the box so it doesn’t get lost at the sorting centre.
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The holiday spice jar
While your cinnamon rolls rise in the oven, your empty cinnamon jar heads to the blue bin. Make sure there’s nothing left inside and leave the cap on.
Spice jar
This container must be empty and go in your blue bin. Don’t nest it inside another container or packaging. If there’s a cap, since it’s small, leave it on the jar so it doesn’t get lost at the sorting centre.
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The instructions for the invincible spaceship
Fresh out from under the tree, Grandpa helped the little one assemble his spaceship. Next step before conquering space: put the instruction manual in the blue bin. It’s printed paper.
Instruction manual
This printed paper goes in your blue bin. Place it separately and don’t nest it inside another container or packaging—this makes sorting machines’ work easier.
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The holiday flyer
You’ve checked off your whole gift list. Give the flyer to your blue bin—it’s printed paper.
Flyer
A flyer is printed paper. Simply place it in your blue bin and don’t nest it in a container or packaging. That way it can be processed by sorting machines.
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The flour bag from your star-shaped cookies
After baking all night, you finally nailed the recipe you saved on Instagram. If your flour bag is as empty as your energy reserves, put it in your blue bin—it’s packaging.
Flour bag
It’s packaging. Make sure it’s empty before placing it in the blue bin, and don’t nest it in a container or packaging. Sorting machines will process it better.
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The raisin bread bag
The raisin bread Grandma brought was amazing. Hard to believe the bag’s already empty. Now let your blue bin enjoy it—put it in; it’s packaging.
Bread bag
It’s packaging. Make sure it’s empty before placing it separately in the blue bin. Otherwise, sorting machines can’t process it. No more “bags of bags”!
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The milk bag traumatized by the Yule log
Not a drop of milk left, and you’re all fueled up on Yule log for the day. Now give your blue bin some strength by putting the empty milk bag in—it’s packaging.
Milk bag
It’s packaging. Empty it and give it a light rinse with a water jet or dishwasher if needed. Don’t nest it in a container or packaging, and don’t bundle it with other packaging.
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Your ex’s greeting cards
Want to get rid of your ex’s sweet nothings? Give them to your blue bin, which could need a little love (and printed papers).
Greeting cards
These cards are printed paper. Don’t nest them in a container or packaging. Place them separately in your blue bin. Sorting machines will process them more easily.
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Mrs. Claus’s tourtière plate
Mom outdid herself with the tourtière this year. Let your blue bin enjoy it too. Rinse the plate if needed and put it in—it’s packaging.
Aluminum plate
It’s packaging. Empty any leftovers and rinse the plate with a small stream of water or dishwater, if necessary. Place it separately in the blue bin and do not nest it inside other containers or packaging.
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The candy cane-flavoured coffee cup
Your blue bin wants to taste the holiday spirit too. Give the cup a quick rinse if needed and put it in the blue bin—it’s a container.
Coffee cup
It’s a container so it goes in the blue bin. Make sure the container is empty and rinse it lightly with a small stream of water or dishwater, if needed. Place the lid separately in the bin if it’s made of a different material.
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The Halloween treat box
Dragons, pirates, and superheroes have filled their buckets. Now that the kingdom is safe, give your blue bin a treat and drop the box in: it’s packaging.
Cardboard box
It’s packaging so it goes in the blue bin. Take the time to break down the box. It will help you manage space in your bin between pick-ups.
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The garden chair broken after the party
It's a durable good so it doesn't go in the blue bin. If it's broken, contact your municipality to find out where to bring it.
The broken garden chair
It didn't appreciate your friend's lip sync performance? If you can fix it, save it for future parties, but the blue bin doesn't want it: it's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper.
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The propane tank from your BBQ
An empty tank won't make your blue bin laugh. It's hazardous household waste so it doesn't go in the blue bin! Plus, it can explode at the sorting facility.
The propane tank
The propane tank is dangerous because of the pressurized gas it may contain, so it doesn't go in the blue bin. It can explode at the sorting facility and injure workers!
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The whipped cream canister from your strawberries
The strawberries loved it, but it definitely won't make your blue bin happy. With the pressurized gas inside, it's dangerous and doesn't go in the blue bin.
The whipped cream canister
It's a container, but it's an exception, because it contains pressurized gas that can explode in collection trucks and sorting facilities. Thus, it doesn't go in the blue bin.
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The blender from your favourite cocktails
It made margaritas all night but broke during Alaclair Ensemble's killer set. It's a durable good.
The blender
It's a durable good. It doesn't go in the blue bin.
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The pickle jar with a pickle still in it
Your blue bin only wants the jar. The leftover pickle? That's for your late-night snack. If it's edible, it's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin.
Jar with a pickle still in it
Watch out for that last pickle hiding at the bottom! The jar needs to be empty to go in the blue bin. Eat the pickle, give the jar a quick rinse with dish water or a splash of water, then place it in the blue bin. Separate the lid if it's made of a different material and if it's large. (When in doubt, leave it on!)
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The cooler from your picnic
It kept your beers and food cold during the whole parade but didn't survive Saint-Jean! It's a durable good.
The cooler
It's a durable good. If it's broken, contact your municipality to find out where to bring it.
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The reusable water bottle you carried all night
Way to stay hydrated, that's important! But once it's empty, don't toss it in the blue bin. It's a durable good.
The reusable water bottle
It's a durable good, and it doesn't go in your blue bin. Keep it and reuse it for your next celebrations if it's still in good shape!
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The wine glass you broke while dancing rock 'n' roll
To keep things safe and injury-free, don't put it in the blue bin. That kind of glass isn't recyclable.
The broken wine glass
Wine glasses are considered "long-lasting" items because they can be reused indefinitely. They're made of non-recyclable glass, and if they end up at sorting facilities, they contaminate other recyclable glass. So they don't go in the blue bin. If they're still in good shape, bring them to a reuse centre, like a donation centre. Otherwise, contact your municipality to find out what to do with them.
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The blue balloon from your decor
It floated proudly all night, but your blue bin clearly doesn't want it! It's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin!
The balloon
It's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin!
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The napkin covered in BBQ sauce
It wiped up plenty of damage between the ribs and the corn on the cob. Still, it's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin.
The napkin
It's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin! Soiled napkins go in the compost. Yep!
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The leftovers from the chicken wing contest
You won the best wings award. Congrats! But be careful, the leftovers don't go in the blue bin: they're not containers, packaging, or printed papers.
The chicken wing leftovers
It's not a container, packaging, or a printed paper. It doesn't go in the blue bin! Food residue can contaminate recyclable materials. Put it in your compost.
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The burnt-out bulb from your bedside lamp
Changing your bulb was a bright idea. Keep it up and contact your municipality to find out what to do with it. It's not a container, packaging, or printed paper.
A light bulb
It's not a container, packaging, or printed paper so it doesn't go in your blue bin! Light bulbs can contain toxic products, break in the equipment, and contaminate recyclable materials. Contact your municipality to find out what to do with it.
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The pickle jar . . . with pickle
Your blue bin only wants the jar. It'll leave you the pickle, kind of like your friend who leaves you the last bite at the restaurant. If it's edible, it's not a container, packaging, or printed paper.
The pickle jar with pickle
Watch out for that last pickle hiding at the bottom! The jar must be empty to go in your blue bin. Eat the pickle, give the jar a quick rinse if necessary, then put it in your blue bin, separating it from the lid if it's not the same material, and if it's big. When in doubt, leave it on.
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Your t-shirt with holes under the arms
Everyone knows it's your favourite t-shirt, but you got to admit it: it's worn out. Even your blue bin doesn't want it: it's not a container, packaging, or printed paper. Turn it into cleaning rags or contact your municipality to find out what to do with it.
A t-shirt
Container? No. Packaging? No. Printed paper? Nope. Conclusion: it doesn't go in your blue bin. If it's in good condition, drop it off at a donation centre. Otherwise, turn it into cleaning rags or contact your municipality.
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The old Santa costume
Delivering gifts wears you out: it’s time for a new outfit. But careful, Santa—don’t offer it to the blue bin, as it’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper.
Santa’s costume
A costume is neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. Santa should keep it for next year or take it to a donation centre if it’s too worn.
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The garland that’s been on your tree for 10 years
It has sparkled brightly, but it’s not a bright idea for your blue bin—it’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. At least let it have one last Christmas and pass it on.
The Christmas garland
It’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper—and above all, it’s not a gift for sorting centres because it can get tangled in the machines. If it’s in good condition, reuse it next year or pass it on. If it’s broken, contact your municipality to find out how to dispose of it.
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The toy cars that have had their day
They’ve driven all over your little cousin’s floor, but now they’re parked in a box of toys to donate. They can’t head for the blue bin: they’re neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper.
The toy
It’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. Some toys also contain lithium batteries that can break in collection trucks or at sorting centres and catch fire when exposed to air. Contact your municipality to find out what to do.
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Your friend’s baby’s diaper
It’s not a container, packaging, or printed paper. Its smell gives your blue bin and the sorting centre cold sweats. It goes in the garbage.
The diapers
They are neither containers, packaging, nor printed paper. Diapers do not go in the blue bin. They can contaminate recyclable materials. They also produce bad odours and can pose health risks to workers. Put them in your garbage bin.
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The syringe that shouldn’t be left lying around
It’s not a container, packaging, or printed paper. Be careful — it can injure workers in sorting centres and spread disease. Return it to a drop-off location (CLSC, pharmacy, hospital).
Syringes
They don’t go in the blue bin. They are not containers, packaging, or printed paper. They expose sorting centre workers to the risk of accidental needle sticks. Syringes and other sharp objects must be brought to designated locations such as CLSCs, pharmacies, and hospital emergency rooms.
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Your DIY “spooky” bat
You followed the tutorial well to make it. But now it needs to fly far from the blue bin. It’s impossible to sort items that are glued together.
Halloween craft
It doesn’t go in the blue bin. Even if it’s made from containers, packaging, or printed paper, a craft can’t be sorted because its different components can’t be separated at the sorting centre. Save it for next year.
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Your Halloween party costume
Even though your costume was a smash hit, it doesn’t go in the blue bin. Keep it away: it’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper.
Halloween costume
It doesn’t go in the blue bin because it’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. If the costume is in good condition, you can drop them off at a donation centre. Otherwise, reuse it next year.
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The garland from your haunted house decor
It’s not a container, packaging, or printed paper. If it gets tangled in the machines, it can play nasty tricks on the sorting centre. Reuse it next year instead.
Halloween garland
It’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. It doesn’t go in the blue bin. It can break sorting centre machines and equipment by getting tangled in them. If you can’t reuse it, contact your municipality to find out what to do with it. If it’s in good condition, drop it off at a donation centre — someone else might use it.
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The mask you’ve worn for the last 10 years
It scares everyone — including the blue bin. It’s not a container, packaging, or printed paper.
Halloween mask
It’s neither a container, packaging, nor printed paper. It doesn’t go in the blue bin. If it’s in good condition, you can drop it off at a reuse centre, like a donation center. Otherwise, contact your municipality to find out what to do with it.