Recycling
Typically clean paper, cardboard, rigid containers, and metal cans. Many programs collect these together as single-stream; others ask for paper to be kept separate from containers.
Recycling & Waste Sorting at Home
Sorting waste at home, explained for Canadian households
Recycling rules in Canada are set municipally, so the same yogurt container can be accepted in one city and refused in the next. These guides explain how three-stream collection works, how to read local rules, and how to cut down what you throw out.
The basics
Most Canadian programs sort into three streams
Curbside and multi-residential collection across Canada generally splits household discards into recycling, organics, and residual garbage. What belongs in each container is defined by your municipality or regional collection authority, and that list changes over time.
Organics
Food scraps and, in many municipalities, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings. Green-cart organics programs are common in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and parts of the Prairies.
Residual garbage
Items that current local facilities cannot recycle or compost. Reducing this stream is the practical goal of careful sorting at the kitchen counter.
Quick reference
Common items and where they usually go
This is a general guide. Local acceptance varies, and the only authoritative list is the one published by your collection authority.
| Item | Common stream | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clean cardboard box | Recycling | Flatten; remove tape and packing materials. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Recycling | Some programs collect glass separately at depots. |
| Food scraps | Organics | Accepted where a green-cart program exists. |
| Plastic film and bags | Often not curbside | Frequently returned to store drop-off instead. |
| Greasy pizza box (soiled part) | Organics | Clean top often goes to paper recycling. |
| Coffee cup | Varies widely | Lined cups are accepted in some programs, refused in others. |
Guides
Three reference guides for everyday sorting
Sorting
Sorting Materials at Home
How to separate paper, containers, glass, and metal, and how to read a municipal acceptance list.
Read guide
Reduce
Reducing Household Waste
Practical habits that shrink the residual garbage stream before sorting even begins.
Read guide
Organics
Composting Organics at Home
Backyard and counter composting basics, plus what belongs in a municipal green cart.
Read guideContact
Send a correction or question
This reference is maintained independently. If a description here conflicts with your municipality's published rules, the municipal list is correct. Use the form to flag an error or ask about a topic.
General inquiries: editor@cedarbasket.org
For collection schedules and accepted-item lists, contact your local municipality directly, or consult Environment and Climate Change Canada.