Omar Khalid
Plastic bags are a significant contributor to the vast amount of waste that ends up in landfills. In Ottawa, residents are encouraged to reuse plastic bags or bring them to a Take it Back! partner. While some sources suggest that certain locations of Loblaws and Metro accept plastic bags for recycling, others indicate that Metro no longer recycles plastic bags at any of their Ottawa locations. It is recommended to confirm with specific stores or explore other options, such as local libraries or daycare centers, which may find alternative uses for the bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags recycling in Ottawa | Not accepted by the City of Ottawa |
| Plastic bags recycling alternatives | Take it Back! partners, Loblaws, Walmart, local library, daycare, food bank |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags cannot be recycled in blue bins
However, plastic bags can be recycled at specific locations in Ottawa. Some Loblaw and Metro stores have plastic bag recycling bins, usually located near the entrance or exit doors. Walmart stores also have plastic bag recycling drop-offs, although availability may vary by location. Additionally, local libraries often accept plastic bags, as they are useful for customers borrowing books.
It is important to reuse plastic bags whenever possible to reduce waste. Some suggestions for reusing plastic bags include using them as small garbage bags, consolidating items in the freezer, or picking up dog waste.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at some Metro and Loblaws locations
In Ottawa, plastic bags cannot be recycled through the city's recycling program. However, some Metro and Loblaws locations in Ottawa have plastic bag recycling bins in-store. These bins are typically located near the entrance or exit doors. It is important to note that not all Metro locations accept plastic bags for recycling, and some have reportedly stopped accepting them.
Other options for recycling plastic bags in Ottawa include taking them to Lowe's, which has a recycling bin for bags at the return desk, or to your local library, as libraries often accept plastic bags for customers to use to carry books. Additionally, some organizations collect plastic bags to weave totes and mats/mattresses for those affected by natural disasters and homelessness, and schools may have student clubs that do this as well.
It is always a good idea to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic bags whenever possible to minimize their environmental impact. Reusing plastic bags for various purposes, such as storing small items, consolidating freezer bags, or picking up dog waste, can help extend their usefulness before recycling or disposal.
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Plastic bags can be reused for dog waste or to line small bins
Plastic bags cannot be recycled with other plastics in Ottawa. They get caught in the equipment at the recycling facility. However, they can be reused for multiple purposes, including dog waste bags or to line small bins.
Some suggestions for reusing plastic bags include:
- Using them as small garbage bags in your house or car.
- Packing your lunch in one.
- Using them as poop bags for your dog.
- Donating them to your local library for customers to carry books.
- Donating them to a local daycare for children's soiled clothes.
- Donating them to a food bank for customers to carry food.
If you have more plastic bags than you can reuse, you can recycle them at various locations in Ottawa. Some options include:
- Loblaws South Keys, which has a recycling bin just inside the outer exit door.
- Metro on Merivale, which has a large recycling bin inside the outer door.
- Lowe's, which has a recycling bin for bags at the return desk.
- Real Canadian Superstore, which has a separate plastic bag bin outside.
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Plastic bags can be donated to local libraries or daycares
Plastic bags cannot be recycled through the City of Ottawa's recycling program. They cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at the recycling facility, and the plastic bags get caught in the equipment.
However, plastic bags can be donated to local libraries, which are always looking for bags for customers to take their books home in. Daycares are another option, as they use plastic bags for soiled clothes when kids have accidents.
Some retailers, such as Loblaws, Lowes, and Walmart, have recycling bins for bags at their stores. However, it's important to note that some locations, such as Metro, have stopped accepting plastic bags for recycling.
It is recommended to reuse plastic bags or bring them to a "Take it Back!" partner.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at Walmart drop-off locations
Plastic bags cannot be recycled through the City of Ottawa's recycling program. Clear, blue, and biodegradable plastic bags are not accepted. The City of Ottawa recommends that residents reuse their plastic bags or bring them to a "Take it Back!" partner.
Some Walmart locations offer recycling drop-offs for plastic bags. However, not all Walmart stores have these drop-offs, and some have removed them. Other locations that may accept plastic bags for recycling include Loblaws, Lowes, and Metro. Some Metro locations have stopped accepting plastic bags, and it is recommended to check with your local store before bringing plastic bags for recycling.
It is important to note that plastic bags should not be placed in your blue bin, as they cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at recycling facilities and can cause equipment issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Some Loblaw and Metro stores have plastic bag recycling bins. You can also take them to your local library or Walmart.
Plastic bags can be reused as garbage bags, lunch bags, or to line small bins. You can also donate them to a local daycare or food bank.
No, plastic bags cannot be recycled in your blue bin as they cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at the recycling facility.
