Earth Day

Take Time to Rediscover Recycling

This Earth Day, an Opportunity to Share Plastic Recycling Myths

April 22 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. In honour of our planet and the initiatives to minimize the world’s carbon footprint, we are sharing myth-busting plastics recycling tips to help consumers be better recyclers. Demand is growing for recycled plastic to use in consumer packaging, so it's especially important that plastic bottles, jugs, and containers make their way into the recycling bin.

The top 5 plastics recycling myths: 

The myth that plastic doesn't really get recycled

Plastic bottles, jugs, containers, and tubs are widely accepted for recycling in communities across the country, and there is strong demand for these materials. 

The myth that anything plastic can go into the recycling bin

Know what to put into curbside recycling bins. Generally, plastic bottles with necks or handles, or plastic containers and tubs are recyclable in curbside containers. 

The myth that plastic grocery bags can be recycled curbside

Plastic bags require special handling to be recycled and should not go into a curbside container. Return them to collection bins at the grocery or big-box store. 

The myth that recyclables should be bagged

Recyclables should never be bagged. Place them loosely in recycling bins. Plastic bags can wrap around and jam equipment at recycling facilities, causing delays or damage. 

The myth that anything with a recycling symbol should go in the recycling bin

The "chasing arrows" symbol generally identifies the type of plastic used in a container or indicates that an item contains recycled content, but it does not mean that an item is recyclable.

Recycling works better when we all do it correctly.