What Can Be Recycled in Ontario?
Everything you need to know about recycling pickup in Ontario — what we accept, how to sort it, and when we collect it. Let's keep more out of the landfill, together.
Recyclable Materials Guide
Sort your recycling into these categories for pickup. When in doubt — leave it out and contact us.
Paper & Cardboard
- Newspapers
- Flattened cardboard boxes
- Office paper
- Magazines
- Paper bags
Plastic Bottles & Jugs
- Water/juice bottles
- Milk jugs
- Shampoo bottles
- Detergent containers
- Yogurt containers (#1–#7)
Glass Containers
- Clear, green & brown bottles
- Food jars
- Beverage bottles (empty & rinsed)
Metal Cans
- Aluminum cans
- Steel/tin food cans
- Empty aerosol cans
- Foil pans (clean)
Electronics (E-Waste)
- Computers & laptops
- Smartphones & tablets
- Printers & monitors
- Small appliances
Organics & Compost
- Fruit & vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds & filters
- Yard waste
- Food-soiled paper
Items That Cannot Go in Your Recycling Bin
These items contaminate recycling batches and must be disposed of separately.
Not sure about an item?
Contact us or check the Ontario Ministry of Environment guide. When in doubt, keep it out.
6 Tips for Better Recycling
Small habits that make a big difference at the sorting facility.
Rinse before recycling
Food residue contaminates entire batches. A quick rinse is all it takes.
Flatten cardboard boxes
Flattened boxes take up less space and are easier to sort at facilities.
Remove non-paper materials
Bubble wrap, tape, and plastic windows on envelopes must be removed first.
Labels are OK to leave on
Modern sorting facilities handle labels — no need to peel them off.
Keep lids on bottles
Screw caps back on after rinsing — they're recyclable and easier to process.
No plastic bags in recycling bins
Bags clog sorting machinery. Return them to grocery stores instead.
Recycling Pickup Days by Area
Schedules vary by neighbourhood. Contact us to confirm your exact pickup day and to sign up for SMS reminders.
| Service Area | Pickup Day | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtice | Monday | Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
| Oshawa | Tuesday | Bi-Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
| Brampton | Wednesday | Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
| Mississauga | Thursday | Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
| Vaughan | Thursday | Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
| Toronto | Friday | Weekly | Schedule Pickup → |
* Schedules subject to change on statutory holidays. SMS reminders sent automatically when you sign up.
Wood, Paper, Plastics & Metal Recovery
Dedicated streams for renovation wood waste and multi-material recycling — keeping resources in use and out of landfill.
Wood Waste Recycling
Sustainable recycling of wood waste from renovations and job sites to reduce landfill impact and support eco-friendly reuse.
Learn more →Paper, Plastics & Metal Recycling
Comprehensive recycling of paper, plastics, and metals to conserve resources and support a circular economy across Ontario.
Learn more →Download the Full Recycling Guide
Our printable PDF guide covers every material category, sorting instructions, accepted plastics by number, and what to do with specialty items like electronics, batteries, and paint.
- Complete materials A–Z
- Ontario-specific regulations
- Sorting illustrations
- Specialty disposal locations
Start Your Recycling Service
Get a free quote for residential or commercial recycling pickup.