Blue Box Recycling
You may be surprised by what doesn’t go in
Learn more about blue box recycling:
- Plastics Recycling
- Understanding the Recycling Logo
- Which Plastics Go in the Recycling Box?
- Take Action and Make Your Voice Heard
- Be a Smart Consumer
- Ad Campaign Downloads
Plastics Recycling
One issue that makes plastic recycling difficult is that many different types of plastic resins are used in consumer packaging. Each plastic behaves differently when you try to recycle it, and some plastics can't be recycled at all.
For example, two identical clear plastic food containers can be made from two different plastic resins, making it difficult to properly sort at a recycling facility.
This is why items such as clear plastic food packaging and plastic takeout containers are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage. The only plastic items that can be placed in your recycling box are plastic bottles, jugs, food tubs, foam packaging and bags.
Other items, such as coffee/softdrink cups, contain multiple layers of plastic on paper fibre, which cannot be separated for either composting or recycling and should also be placed in the garbage.
[ Top ]
Understanding the Recycling Logo
The recycling symbol with a number inside is found on many plastic items that are not actually recyclable. The number is only used to identify what type of plastic resin the item is made of, and does not necessarily mean the item is recyclable in municipal Blue Box programs.
There are many different types of plastics, however limited end-markets for recycling these plastics means that only some are recyclable. Having a recycling symbol on non-recyclable materials can be confusing for even the most environmentally-conscious resident, but don’t let this get you frustrated – our recycling database will simplify the issue for you.
[ Top ]
Which Plastics Go in the Recycling Box?
Non-recycled plastics that are placed in your blue box cannot be sorted at a municipal material recycling facility and often get mixed with other recyclable plastics, which contaminates the end-product for marketing.
The only plastics that can be placed in your recycling box are bottles, jugs, food tubs, foam packaging and bags.
Plastic bags are recyclable but they must all be placed in one tied plastic bag before being placed in your blue box.
Check our database to see what products can go in.
[ Top ]
Take Action and Make Your Voice Heard
The Government of Ontario has jurisdiction over packaging. The Region of Peel has passed Council resolutions requesting the Province of Ontario to require brand owners and retailers to only use plastic packaging that is recyclable in municipal Blue Box programs.
[ Top ]
Be a Smart Consumer
Plastics recycling, as well as reducing your use of plastic containers will help the environment.
You can reduce your plastic use by:
- using reusable bags for groceries instead of plastic bags;
- reusing plastic containers for leftovers and to store small items;
- buying your food in bulk. Visit Grown in Peel to find some of the finest farms and markets right in your own neighbourhood;
- drinking water from a glass or reusable bottle rather than from a single-use plastic bottle;
- buying products that are recyclable or that use recyclable packaging (remember, the recyclable logo isn’t always the answer).
[ Top ]