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.

Acceptable and unacceptable items vary by location. Please contact your local office for details.
Sani-Estrie Recycling Services

Our offerings across our network include

Single or multiple-bin collection service
Separated or combined recyclables collection programs
Green waste recycling programs
Cardboard, newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass container, and electronics recycling
Preserving the environment through recycling

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.

Process of Recycling

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.

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.

Sani-Estrie recycle guide

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.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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
Battery Disposal

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!

What can I recycle?
Why is recycling important
How do I recycle glass/plastic/paper/metal?
What happens to recycled materials?
How can I reduce waste and increase recycling at home?

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.

Call Us Today
819-566-5660
Commercial Services

All Our Commercial Services

Sani-Estrie Commercial Waste Collection offers your business a range of containers and service schedules for your garbage collection needs.