Ontario’s recycling program now accepts several items that were not recyclable before <\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE
\nCLEAN NORTH
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\nLocal environmental group Clean North is encouraging Sault Ste. Marie residents to take a fresh look at what belongs in their recycling bin. As of January 1, 2026, Ontario’s recycling program began accepting many items that were not previously recyclable, making it easier than ever to divert waste from the landfill.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany residents may not be aware that the city no longer runs recycling,\u201d said Clean North chair Bill Cole. \u201cIt\u2019s now the responsibility of Circular Materials, a province-wide producer responsibility organization. And many people are still following the old recycling rules. For multiple reasons, it\u2019s important for us to take a few minutes to learn the new ones.”<\/p>\n
He noted that there\u2019s a handy search tool on the Circular Materials site that you can use to confirm if something\u2019s recyclable: https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/resident-communities\/city-of-sault-ste-marie\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cExpanding recycling couldn’t be more timely for Sault Ste. Marie,\u201d Cole said. \u201cOur landfill is nearing capacity, and the City is examining expansion options that could cost tens of millions of dollars. Every recyclable item that stays out of the trash helps extend landfill life and reduce the amount of waste that must be buried.\u201d<\/p>\n Some items that city residents may not know are now recyclable:<\/p>\n
Residents should also remember that recyclable containers should be empty and reasonably clean. Food residue can contaminate other recyclable materials and reduce their value.<\/p>\n Examples of materials that still must stay out of your recycle bin:<\/p>\n
\u201cOne technically recyclable item we wish people wouldn’t recycle is receipts,\u201d Cole said. \u201cReceipts printed on thermal paper often contain bisphenols, such as BPA or BPS, and some receipt papers have also contained PFAS chemicals. Those chemicals can then end up in recycled paper products like tissues and toilet paper. So until producers stop adding these in, we maintain the lesser evil is to put them in the trash.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, while recycling is an important part of reducing waste, it is not the only solution. Choosing reusable products, repairing items when possible, buying less but higher-quality goods, shopping secondhand, and avoiding unnecessary packaging all help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.<\/p>\n City residents can also donate many items to local organizations\/businesses; check out Clean North\u2019s Where to Recycle\/Donate Stuff page here: https:\/\/www.cleannorth.org\/recycle-stuff\/<\/a>. Or join the Zero Waste Sault group on Facebook and offer up your items there.<\/p>\n
\n\tSoft plastic bags and overwrap around packages of toilet paper, paper towels, flats of cans\/bottles, appliance boxes, etc.; but one important caveat\u2014these soft plastics go in the cardboard\/paper side of the bin for sorting reasons
\n\tPlastic plant pots and seedling trays
\n\tStyrofoam meat trays (remove, rinse, and toss plastic liner pad)
\n\tPlastic caps and lids from bottles and jars
\n\tClear plastic food clamshells
\n\tPlastic takeout containers
\n\tPrescription medication bottles (must be empty)Many other rigid plastic packaging items (again always confirm first on the Circular Materials site)
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\n\tAlcohol containers (return to LCBO or the Beer Store)
\n\tPacking peanuts, which blow away easily and may be made from compostable cornstarch instead of styrofoam
\n\tLids of pizza boxes that are heavily coated with grease and cheese
\n\tBroken window glass
\n\tDrinking glasses, glass cookware, mirrors, ceramics and dishes
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