| Environmental Columns

Intelligent Recycling

Did you know that, according to Recyc-Québec, 94% of the materials generated by citizens should be deposited in a collection system other than that for household waste? The amount of material sent to landfill can therefore be considerably reduced.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you sort your residual materials more effectively on a daily basis.

Tips and Tricks to Make Sorting Easier

Place your sorting containers in a common area such as the kitchen. Make sure they’re visible and accessible.

If you run out of space in your blue bin, don’t throw your materials in the garbage. Take the time to unpack and fold your boxes before placing them in the bin.

Donate or sell items that are still in good condition instead of throwing them away. They can also be reused for other purposes.

Take advantage of the many collections and permanent collection points offered by the city so that materials can be refurbished or recycled in the right way.

Beware of Prohibited Items

Not everything can be recycled at the plant. Indeed, you can sometimes spot some rather unusual items in certain bins. If the object can be salvaged or reused, it should go to a self-help organization or an ecocentre. Clothing, shoes, printers, garden hoses and children’s toys are just a few examples.

The Consequences of Poor Sorting

Upon arrival at the recycling plant, the contents of your bin are sorted by equipment and employees to remove anything that cannot be recycled. Some removed items may catch fire or break machinery completely. Employees also handle mouldy objects, organic or chemical waste, and dangerous items such as used syringes. The consequences of poor sorting can be dangerous.
We often hear that “half of all recycling goes to landfill.” But if materials are sent to landfill, it’s because they shouldn’t have been in the blue bin in the first place. Good sorting helps to recover materials and reduce waste.

Can it be recycled?

Are you still wondering whether your item can be put in the recycling bin? It’s easy: if it’s a container, packaging, printout or newspaper, it can be placed in the bin.
Are you hesitating between the garbage can and the recycling bin? There are many tools available to help you.