Ethan Clarke
The City of Ottawa collects a wide range of plastics for recycling, including rigid #6 plastics such as yogurt cups and clear plastics, while expanded #6 plastics like Styrofoam and coffee cup lids are not accepted. However, it's important to note that not all collected plastics are successfully recycled, and some may end up in landfills or exported to other countries. Ottawa's recycling program aims to increase the acceptance of recyclable products, such as film plastics, to divert waste from landfills. The city encourages residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible, offering initiatives like Give Away Weekends to promote the reuse of unwanted items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Not accepted in Ottawa's recycling |
| Clear/blue/biodegradable plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Clean plastic grocery bags | Reused or brought to a Take it Back! partner |
| Rigid #6 plastics | Accepted |
| Expanded #6 plastics | Not accepted |
| Plastics without a recycling number | Not accepted |
| Food and household containers | Numbers 1 to 7 accepted |
| Plastic lids for paper coffee cups | Not accepted |
| Styrofoam | Not accepted |
| Plastic shopping bags | Not accepted |
| Waxed cardboard | Not accepted |
| LDPE | Accepted |
| Number 3, PVC | Difficult to sell |
| Number 7 plastic | Sustainable market |
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What You'll Learn
Rigid #6 plastics, such as yoghurt cups, are accepted
In Ottawa, rigid #6 plastics, such as yoghurt cups, are accepted for recycling. This includes clear plastics. However, it is important to note that expanded #6 plastics, such as Styrofoam and coffee cup lids, are not accepted. These two types of #6 plastics are very different, and only the rigid variety is suitable for recycling in Ottawa.
The City of Ottawa collects recycling materials, which are then processed by Circular Materials, the administrator of Ontario's common collection system. All recyclables must be placed loosely in an approved City of Ottawa blue bin to help with sorting at the recycling facility. This blue bin should not weigh more than 15 kg when full. It is important to note that plastic bags should not be used to package recyclables, as they can cause issues with the automated sorting process at the facility. Clear, blue, and biodegradable plastic bags are not accepted in the blue bins.
The recycling process in Ottawa involves collecting materials and taking them to a facility where they are sorted into commodities for recycling. This process helps to divert waste from the city's landfill, and the city accepts a wide range of recyclable products. In addition to rigid #6 plastics, other types of plastics that are accepted for recycling in Ottawa include PET, HDPE, and polypropylene. PET is often used as a replacement for polypropylene or polystyrene in food packaging, and it has a strong market for recycling. HDPE is commonly found in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and shampoo bottles, and it is widely accepted in blue bin programs with stable and secure local markets.
Polypropylene, which falls in the three-to-seven range of plastics, is highly sought after and has a growing market. It is often used for food packaging, such as yoghurt, margarine, and cream cheese containers. By accepting these different types of plastics for recycling, Ottawa is contributing to waste reduction and encouraging the reuse of materials.
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Expanded #6 plastics, like Styrofoam, are not accepted
The City of Ottawa accepts a wide range of plastics for recycling. Rigid #6 plastics, such as yogurt cups and clear plastics, are accepted. However, it's important to note that expanded #6 plastics, like Styrofoam, are not accepted. This distinction is crucial, as it can help residents properly sort their recyclables and ensure they are disposed of correctly.
The inability to recycle expanded #6 plastics, like Styrofoam, is not unique to Ottawa. Many other municipalities and recycling programs across North America also do not accept these materials. This is because Styrofoam is primarily made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and the process of recycling it is often costly and complex.
It is essential to dispose of expanded #6 plastics, like Styrofoam, properly to reduce their environmental impact. While it cannot be recycled, there may be other ways to dispose of it responsibly. Some communities have special drop-off locations or collection events for Styrofoam, where it can be safely discarded. Additionally, some companies and organizations may accept Styrofoam for reuse or repurposing, such as packaging or craft projects.
It is crucial to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations regarding plastic recycling in your area. Checking with local waste management authorities or visiting their websites can provide specific instructions on how to handle expanded #6 plastics, like Styrofoam, and other non-recyclable materials.
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Plastic bags are not recyclable and contaminate other loads
In Ottawa, plastic bags are not accepted for recycling. They cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at the recycling facility and they get caught in the equipment. Clear, blue, and biodegradable plastic bags are also not accepted. Plastic bags should not be used to package recyclables. If you do collect your recyclables in a plastic bag, dump the recyclables out of the bag and reuse the bag if you can.
Plastic bags are made from various types of plastic that belong to the polyethylene family. They are stretchy and often get stuck in recycling equipment. This gums up the works and causes problems at recycling facilities. Plastic bags need to be ripped open and discarded, which is another waste of time, money, and material.
To reduce the impact of plastic bags on the environment, it is important to reuse them whenever possible. For example, they can be reused as trash-can liners or to pick up after your dog. It is also important to reduce their use by using reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
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Plastic grocery bags can be returned to Take It Back! locations
The City of Ottawa collects a wide range of recyclable materials, including glass, metal, paper, and cardboard. In 2023, residents recycled over 27,146 tonnes of these materials. While Ottawa accepts many types of plastics for recycling, there are specific guidelines for plastic grocery bags.
Plastic bags, including those that are clear, blue, or biodegradable, are not accepted in Ottawa's recycling bins. This is because they can cause issues with the automated sorting process at the recycling facility, getting caught in the equipment and leading to fires. Therefore, it is important to keep plastic bags out of recycling bins and find alternative ways to reuse or recycle them responsibly.
Clean plastic grocery bags should be reused or brought to Take It Back! locations. Take It Back! partners provide a dedicated drop-off option for plastic bags, ensuring they are properly handled and do not end up contaminating other recyclables or causing operational challenges. By returning plastic grocery bags to these locations, residents can help keep the recycling process safe and efficient.
The City of Ottawa encourages residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible. It is important to separate and properly dispose of different types of waste, including plastic bags, to support the city's recycling efforts and divert waste from landfills. Additionally, residents can participate in Give Away Weekends, held twice a year, to set out unwanted items for others to take for free, further reducing waste and promoting reuse.
While Ottawa accepts a wide range of plastics for recycling, it is important to note that not all plastics are equally recyclable. Some plastics, such as Styrofoam and plastic shopping bags, may be stamped "recyclable" but are not accepted by the city's recycling program. It is crucial to check the accepted materials and guidelines provided by the City of Ottawa to ensure proper disposal and recycling practices.
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Plastic lids cannot be recycled and should be put in the garbage
The City of Ottawa accepts a wide range of plastics for recycling, including rigid #6 plastics such as yogurt cups and clear plastics. However, it's important to note that not all plastic materials can be recycled. Specifically, plastic lids, including coffee cup lids, cannot be recycled and should be put in the garbage.
While it may seem convenient to simply toss plastic lids into the recycling bin, doing so can contaminate the entire load. This is because plastic lids are often made from different types of plastic than the containers they accompany, and they may not be accepted by the City of Ottawa's recycling program. As a result, it's crucial to separate plastic lids from recyclable containers and dispose of them properly in the trash.
The City of Ottawa provides clear guidelines for disposing of garbage and recyclables. Plastic bags, for instance, should not be used to package recyclables as they cannot be opened by the automated sorting process at the recycling facility. Instead, residents are encouraged to reuse plastic bags or bring them to designated drop-off locations, such as Take it Back! partners. By following these guidelines, residents can ensure they are properly managing their waste and contributing to the City's recycling efforts effectively.
It's worth noting that reducing plastic consumption is an important step in minimizing waste. Residents are encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. By reducing the use of single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives, individuals can play a significant role in decreasing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or contaminates the ocean. Additionally, properly sorting and cleaning recyclables can increase the likelihood of them being successfully recycled.
In conclusion, while the City of Ottawa accepts a broad range of plastics for recycling, it's important to remember that plastic lids cannot be recycled and should be placed in the garbage. By properly disposing of these items and following the City's guidelines for waste management, residents can do their part in keeping their community clean and environmentally friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
Rigid #6 plastics such as yogurt cups and clear plastics are accepted for recycling in Ottawa.
Expanded #6 plastics such as Styrofoam, coffee cup lids, and plastic shopping bags are not accepted for recycling in Ottawa.
All recyclables must be placed loose in an approved City of Ottawa blue bin to help with sorting at the recycling facility. Cut plastic six-pack holders and other similar items apart before putting them in the bin.
The City of Ottawa sends most of its recycling to North American markets. However, there are concerns that some recyclables may end up in landfills or in the ocean.
Yes, the City of Ottawa holds Give Away Weekends twice a year where residents can set unwanted items at the curb with "FREE" signs, and the City also has a website called Used Ottawa.com for more information on recycling programs.
