Recycling myths

There’s a lot of confusion out there about recycling, and these misconceptions can hinder our collective efforts to keep waste out of landfill and protect the environment.

We’ve addressed some of the most common myths to help clear up misunderstandings about recycling in Ontario:

Blue Box materials

Materials are picked up by a collection truck and dropped off at a facility to be properly sorted.

During the sorting process, only materials that do not belong in the Blue Box are discarded and then sent to landfill. Learn which items belong in the Blue Box.

All other materials that are collected through the Blue Box Program continue to go through the recycling process and are eventually sorted and processed for use in new products.

Other recyclables (e.g., tires, electronics)

Materials that are dropped off at recycling locations are either sorted at that location or sent to a facility to be sorted and are eventually turned into new products.

In some cases – for example, when it comes to harmful chemicals that can’t be recycled or turned into new materials – dropping these materials off at a collection site ensures that they are disposed of safely. This means that they won’t end up contaminating the environment.

Only materials that were dropped off and cannot be recycled (i.e. the material is contaminated, improperly prepared, or not accepted by the recycling program) or disposed of in another way will be sent to landfill.

Consumers can do their part to make sure they’re reducing unnecessary consumption, reusing items where possible, and maximizing their recycling opportunities by:

  • Using their buying power to purchase products with more sustainable packaging.
  • Following guidance provided by Circular Materials, the Blue Box collection system administrator, on how to prepare items for recycling.
  • Make sure items that are recyclable but cannot go in the Blue Box (i.e. batteries, lightbulbs, tires, paint, etc.) are dropped off at recycling locations. Find a recycling location near you.

Some materials are not only harmful to the environment if they are incorrectly sent to landfill, but they are also harmful to humans. For example, batteries require special handling because they can leak and hurt someone or they can cause a fire.

Here are some ways to determine how to recycle something:

The presence of a recycling symbol (known as a mobius loop) on a product does not guarantee that it can be recycled in Ontario.

Refer to the What can be recycled webpage to understand what items can be recycled in Ontario.