Did you know that you are supposed to put all the plastics in your recycling bin into ONE bag? Wow! Did that surprise you as much as it surprised me? I like to think I practice a “green” lifestyle, but it seems I am not as seasoned as I credited myself. They say you should learn something new everyday. For those of you reading this: you’re welcome! I got you covered in the up to date rules and regulations of keeping green in this beautiful city of St.Catharines!
Acceptable items in your blue box include:
- Aluminum cans and foil containers
- Milk and juice cartons, frozen juice cans, drink boxes
- Cardboard containers with metal bottoms – News to me!
- CLEAN paint cans and aerosol cans – remove the lids
- CLEAN glass jars and bottles – remove the lids
- CLEAN plastic containers and packaging (#1 through #7) only! – Who knew plastic had numbers? Did I live under a rock?!
Acceptable items in the grey box (or second blue box) include:
- Plastic bags – retail, milk and bread bags, dry cleaning bags, clean bubble wrap, and the plastic outer covering from items such as toilet tissue, paper towels and pop cases
- – remove receipts, stuff all plastic bags into one bag and tie handles
- Paper – newspapers, flyers, glossy magazines, catalogues, envelopes, paperbacks, phone books, hardcover books (remove cover and discard) – Shredded paper should be placed inside a firmly tied clear plastic bag
- Corrugated cardboard – – Shipping, appliance, furniture & pizza boxes (remove excess food)
- Box board- Cereal, cookie, cracker, detergent, pop, tissue, shoe and gift boxes (remove liners)
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on funny things people may to try to recycle that are NOT recyclable:
- No lawn chairs – Please don’t be sitting out by your trash pick up area in your lawn chair either!
- Butter wrapping, plastic or foil wrap from food
- No hangers – those can be returned to your drycleaners
- No plastic children’s toys – no children either for that matter!
- No swimming pools, solar blankets, or tarps – those are more enjoyable in the back yard!
- No VHS tapes – even recycling doesn’t want them!
For a complete list of what you can and cannot recycle please visit: http://www.niagararegion.ca/living/waste/Recycling-Items.aspx#blue
