Recycling in Winnipeg is expanding to new materials – and some people are getting confused about what can and can’t be recycled. In this blog from Kloos Hauling & Demolition, we’ll help you learn more and ensure you’re recycling as much as you can – to reduce your carbon footprint and help our environment. Let’s get started.
General tips for recycling
First, make sure your recycled items are clean. You must rinse and clean all recyclable food containers and any other container that is dirty. Items that are not clean may be thrown away, and food waste can contaminate other perfectly good recyclable materials which also end up having to be thrown out.
Recycling plastic bags
Do not put your recycling in plastic garbage bags (with one exception noted below), or they will be thrown away without recycling. Doing this is detrimental to Winnipeg’s recycling program and it may be damaging to recycling equipment.
Recycling plastic shopping bags
However, there is an option for recycling plastic shopping bags. Do not put them in your blue bin, but you can take them to a plastic bag return depot. There are many within Winnipeg – most grocery stores offer plastic bag returns. For a full and more detailed list of how to handle and return your single-use plastic bags – visit SimplyRecycle.ca’s page for plastic bag drop-off locations. Their website also has other great information about recycling in Winnipeg.
If you have other recycling questions
Finally, if you have any questions about whether or not you can recycle your items, or want to learn more about recycling in general, you can consult with this page about Winnipeg recycling policies from the local government.
Plastic container recycling
Currently, you can recycle the following kinds of plastic containers in Winnipeg:
- Plastic food and beverage containers including tubs, jars, bottles, and jugs, etc.
- Rigid plastic (clamshell) packaging, with all paper/non-plastic inserts removed
Metal container recycling
Currently, you can recycle the following kinds of metal containers in Winnipeg:
- Food tins and beverage cans of all types
Glass container recycling
Currently, you can recycle the following kinds of glass containers in Winnipeg:
- Glass food and beverage containers including jars, bottles, jugs, etc.
Paper recycling
Currently, you can recycle the following kinds of paper in Winnipeg:
- Newspapers
- Flyers
- Magazines
- Computer or printed paper
You may also recycle shredded paper that is put into a clear plastic bag. This is the only exception to the aforementioned “no plastic bags” requirement.
Cardboard recycling
Currently, you can recycle the following kinds of cardboard in Winnipeg:
- Boxes
- Cartons including pizza boxes, cereal boxes, milk cartons
- Cardboard egg cartons
- Paper towel and toilet paper tubes
Stuck with reusable items that aren’t recyclable? Contact Kloos Hauling & we’ll pick them up!
At Kloos Hauling & Demolition, we can pick up your junk and recyclable items, and ensure that they are donated, repurposed, or disposed of appropriately. To receive a free estimate and quote, just contact us online or call us at 204-955-1188 for our fast, friendly service!