What to put in the recycling bin
The items that you can put in your bin to facilitate recycling can be summed up as follows: containers, packaging and print materials. Here are the materials that are accepted or refused.
Montréal’s recycling bins have been green for several years. With the modernization of the selective collection, however, they will now be replaced with blue bins when they are damaged or beyond repair.
Materials accepted: containers, packaging and print materials
Follow these simple steps before putting your containers, packaging or print materials in the bin.
Containers
A container comes with a cap or a cover. Examples of containers that are accepted:
- Tin cans
- Edible oil bottles (olive oil, for instance)
- Glass wine or spirit bottles
- Milk or juice cartons (multi-layer containers)
- Non-hazardous household cleaning products
- Jars of jam or peanut butter
- Yogurt containers of all sizes
Packaging
Packaging makes it easy to transport a product. Examples of packaging that is accepted:
- Aluminum plates and foil
- Styrofoam meat or fish trays
- Cardboard boxes
- Egg cartons
- Fruit baskets
- Takeout food packaging
- Paper bags
- Packaging bags and film
- Cardboard toilet paper rolls
Print materials
Examples of print materials that are accepted:
- Newspapers and circulars
- Envelopes (even with a window)
- Sheets of paper (even with staples)
- Notebooks and magazines
- Catalogues, telephone directories
Materials not accepted
The following materials should not be placed in the bin:
- Pressurized steel containers (aerosol containers)
- Protective styrofoam packaging (TV, equipment) which desintegrates in beads
- Biodegradable or degradable plastics (e.g., PLA acronym)
- Paper hand towels, tissue paper, paper towels and table napkins
- Household garbage bags
- Plastic or metal toys
- Paint or inedible oil cans
- Electronics · Batteries
- Appliances containing liquid refrigerant (refrigerator, air conditioner)
- Clothing, fabrics and shoes
- Flat glass, bulbs, drinking glasses, pyrex plates, and mirrors
- Diapers, menstrual cups
- Pet litter
Many of these materials can be brought to an ecocentre or a disposal site set up for that purpose.
Helping you sort
Bac Impact has created a quiz to answer some of your questions. Featured materials change regularly.
Risk of contamination or injury
Inspectors may place a sticker on your bin to temporarily prevent collection if it contains materials that may:
- Contaminate other materials
- Injure collection or sorting center staff
If you do not comply with the sorting rules, you are liable to a fine under by-law 16-049.
You must:
- Remove the contaminating materials and dispose of them in the correct collection
- Remove hazardous materials and take them to the eco-center
- Pay the fine, if applicable
You will then be able to use your recycling bin again.
Quick search
Need help?
Contact us if you have questions.