Disposal/Recycle Guide
Sani-Estrie is proud to serve commercial facilities as their dedicated recycling partner throughout Sherbrooke. We care about a cleaner environment and are increasing our efforts to make recycling in your area easier and more convenient.
Our offerings across our network include
What is Recycling & Why You Should Recycle
Recycling is when certain materials are collected, processed and made reusable. While not all materials can be recycled, most can. Trash & waste generate toxic chemicals and greenhouse gasses from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps the environment by reducing the overall amount of pollution caused by waste, landfills, etc.
What happens to my recycling?
When recyclable materials are organized, they are shipped off to different markets for processing into new raw materials.
Many of the most common items/materials - plastic bottles and papers - are recycled back to their original state/product. This effectively eliminates the ‘life cycle’ of these products, as they can continue to be recycled and reused. Other more complex materials that are recycled are used in creating totally new products, ranging from furniture to clothes.
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How Does Recycling Work
Recycling first depends on people making the choice to do so. There is no mandatory law across Canada that actively enforces recycling for homeowners.
Clean every item
When recycling, it’s extremely important to clean every item so it’s spotless. This prevents other materials from becoming contaminated while being transported to recycling facilities.
Waste Collection
When blue and green recycle bins are full, they are then collected by Sani-Estrie at a curbside, multi-family dwelling, or depot.
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Recycling facility (MRF)
Once materials are delivered to a recycling facility, or material recovery facility (MRF), they are sorted and organized by material types. Sorted materials are then inspected for final quality control clean-up before being baled (compressed) together and staged for sale to end markets.
What items you CAN recycle in Canada.
The primary recyclable items in Canada are glass, aluminum, paper, cardboard and some plastics. Each province has different regulations on what can be recycled. Below is a quick list of the provinces we serve and links to each region for information on recycling regulations.
What residential items CAN’T be recycled via curbside collection in Canada.
While some provinces accept the recycling of materials such as paint, tires and even oil, in general these materials are not safe to place in recycle bins due to contamination of other materials. For these types of materials, please reach out to the closest recycling facility and ask about their capabilities.
Unacceptable Items
Items
- Propane canisters
- Needles
- Flammable liquids
- Helium tanks
- Knives
- Butane canisters
- Bear spray
- Ammunition
- Flares
- Electronics
- E-cigarettes batteries
- Lighters and matches
- Household batteries
- Paint
Plastic Containers
- Containers for motor oil, vehicle lubricant, or antifreeze products (Check Recyclepedia)
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Liquid-absorbing pads, e.g., in trays of meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
- Ceramic plant pots
- Lawn edging, tarps, plastic furniture or toys
- Garden hoses
- Plastic string or rope
- Plastic paint cans (Check Recyclepedia)
- Pails larger than 25L
- Pails for lubricants and oils (Check Recyclepedia)
- Microwave bowls with metal rims
- Plastic or foil lids from coffee and tea pods
- Beverage bottles or jugs for flavoured tea, juice, or other beverages can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Steel Containers
- Steel paint cans
- Coat hangers (return to dry cleaners)
- Pots, pans and baking trays
- Propane cylinders
- Metal toys
- Appliances
- Metal hardware or other scrap metal
- Wiring or metal cords, extension cords
- Steel beverage cans can be returned for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Misc. Flexible Plastic Packaging
- Plastic squeeze tubes
- Plastic-lined paper
- Cellophane wrap
- Plastic strapping
- 6-pack ring
- Biodegradable plastic
- PVC/vinyl
- Squishy foam
- Plastic blister packs e.g. plastic/foil protective packaging for chewing gum and pills
Paper Packaging/Cardboard
- Cardboard boxes with wax coating, such as empty boxes made available for residents to carry their supplies home
- Paper bags with multiple layers that include a foil layer
- Paper bags with a plastic layer
- Paper towels, napkins (include with green waste, if applicable)
- Tissues
Aluminum Containers
- Spray paint cans (Check Recyclepedia)
- Aerosol cans with any contents remaining
- Propane cylinders (Check Recyclepedia)
- Foil-lined cardboard take-out containers and lids
Glass Bottles & Jars
- Drinking glasses or dishes, cookware
- Whole or broken window glass or mirrors
- Ceramic products
- Light bulbs and light fixtures
Foam Packaging
- Liquid-absorbing pads used in trays for meat, poultry, fish, etc.
- Labels, tape, paper and cardboard on foam packaging
- Foam peanuts, packing chips, or noodles
- Blue or pink foam board insulation
- Napkins, cutlery
- Squishy or flexible foam
- Furniture cushions
Plastic Bags/Overwrap
- Kitchen stretch wrap
- Packaging labelled biodegradable or compostable
- Lumber or construction wrap
- Garbage bags (all colours)
Paper
- Hardcover or paperback books (donate or sell)
- Ribbons or bows
- Musical greeting cards with batteries
- Rubber bands
Cartons & Paper Cups
- Straws
- Juice cartons and boxes can be returned to depot for deposit refund or included in container recycling
Incorrect Battery Disposal Can Cause Fires
Common household items seem harmless, however, the batteries in them pose risks when disposed into regular garbage or recycling containers because of their highly flammable nature.
Remove the batteries
Check the electronic devices you need to dispose of. If possible, remove the batteries. If not, bring the whole device to the drop off location.
Store batteries in a safe place
Store batteries in non-metallic containers (plastic, cardboard, or glass) that do not conduct electricity if there is a spark.
Find your local drop off
Find a local electronic disposal store, or find a drop off location near you.
Ask The Can!
Are you still uncertain about sizing, pricing, or other details? Contact one of our professionals to get more information regarding which option is the best for you.
All Our Commercial Services
Sani-Estrie Commercial Waste Collection offers your business a range of containers and service schedules for your garbage collection needs.
