Ottawa's recycling program can be confusing. Different bins accept different materials, and the rules change periodically. This guide helps you sort your waste correctly and understand what happens to recycled materials.

Ottawa's Three-Bin System

Blue Bin - Containers

  • Plastic bottles and containers (1-7)
  • Metal cans (aluminum, steel)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Cartons (milk, juice, broth)
  • Aerosol cans (empty)

Black Bin - Paper/Cardboard

  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Paper packaging
  • Office paper
  • Books (remove covers)
  • Paper bags

Green Bin - Organics

  • Food scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Yard waste
  • Pet waste (in paper bags)

Common Recycling Mistakes

Wishful Recycling

Putting non-recyclable items in the bin hoping they'll be recycled. This contaminates loads and can cause entire batches to be sent to landfill.

Food Contamination

Containers must be empty and rinsed. A pizza box with grease stains isn't recyclable—tear off the clean top and recycle that.

Plastic Bags

Regular plastic bags don't go in blue bins. Return them to grocery store collection points instead.

Shredded Paper

Loose shreds can't be processed. Place shredded paper in a paper bag, then in the black bin.

What About These Items?

Electronics

E-waste requires special handling. Drop off at City of Ottawa depots or return to retailers.

Batteries

Never put batteries in any bin. Return to battery collection points at many retailers.

Paint

Dried latex paint (lid off, dried solid) goes in regular garbage. Liquid paint requires hazardous waste disposal.

Styrofoam

Ottawa doesn't accept Styrofoam in curbside recycling. Some retailers offer collection.

Textiles

Clothing and fabric don't go in recycling. Donate usable items or check for textile collection programs.

Construction Materials

During renovations, you'll generate materials that don't fit standard recycling:

Recyclable with effort:

  • Clean wood (some transfer stations accept)
  • Metals (can be sold to scrap yards)
  • Concrete (processed at specialized facilities)

Regular disposal:

  • Drywall
  • Mixed construction debris
  • Insulation

A Bin Rental is the most practical solution for renovation waste. Our bins go to proper facilities where materials are sorted and recycled when possible.

Ottawa's Drop-Off Depots

For items that don't fit curbside collection, Ottawa operates several drop-off depots accepting:

  • Household hazardous waste
  • Electronics
  • Tires
  • Large appliances
  • Scrap metal

Check City of Ottawa website for locations and hours.

The Environmental Impact

Proper recycling matters. When done correctly, recycling conserves resources, reduces landfill use, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Taking a few extra seconds to sort correctly makes a real difference.

Questions about disposing of specific items? Call Base Bins at (613) 518-1508.