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Guide

Recycling in Ottawa: What You Can Actually Do

Okay, let’s get straight to it. Recycling in Ottawa can seem confusing, but here’s a breakdown of what you can realistically recycle and how to do it right. This guide focuses on what’s accepted by the City of Ottawa’s waste management program.

1. Your Blue Bin – What Goes In

This is the core of recycling in Ottawa. Your blue bin accepts a surprisingly limited range of materials. Don’t throw everything in hoping it will be recycled – contamination is a big problem.

  • Paper: Clean paper is key. This includes:
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Cardboard (flattened) – remove tape and staples
  • Paper bags
  • Plastics: Numbers 1, 2, and 5 are generally accepted. Check the bottom of the container for the recycling symbol and number. Important: Rinse containers thoroughly.
  • Metal: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and empty aerosol cans (completely empty!) are accepted.
  • Glass: Clear glass bottles and jars. Rinse them out.

**2. What Doesn’t Go in the Blue Bin**

This is just as important as knowing what does go in. Contamination ruins entire batches of recyclables.

  • Plastic bags: These tangle in the sorting machinery.
  • Styrofoam: Not accepted.
  • Food-soiled items: Pizza boxes, greasy containers, etc.
  • Coat hangers
  • Ceramics
  • Mirrors
  • Light bulbs

3. Other Recycling Options

Beyond your blue bin, Ottawa offers other ways to recycle:

  • Electronics Recycling: Several locations accept old electronics – check the City of Ottawa website for a list of drop-off locations.
  • Textile Recycling: Donate usable clothing and linens to organizations like the Salvation Army or local charities.
  • Batteries: Many retailers (like Home Depot and Canadian Tire) offer battery recycling programs.

4. Important Tips for Recycling in Ottawa

  • Rinse Everything: Food residue contaminates recyclables.
  • Flatten Cardboard: This saves space in the blue bin.
  • Check the City Website: The City of Ottawa’s website ([https://www.ottawa

This guide was drafted with AI assistance and passed an automated accuracy and safety review. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.