Tips on making sure those recyclables are taken away in Oakville, Halton

There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up and seeing your recyclables blown across the lawn thanks to a stern wind that came in overnight.

Halton Region homeowners in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills can do several things to help ensure their recyclables and waste is taken away.

Here is some helpful information and waste tips from Halton Region on ensuring all your waste is collected on pick up day, even if it’s a windy day:

BLUE BOX

• On collection day, put out recycling out by 7 a.m., but no earlier than 5 p.m. the evening before.
• Recyclables should go into a Blue Box or clear plastic bag only.
• There is no limit to how many Blue Boxes or clear plastic bags or recyclable material that can be placed for collection.
• All recyclable material goes into the same Blue Box or clear plastic bag.
• Corrugated cardboard is to be tied up in bundles no larger than 4-ft x 4-ft x 1-ft.
• Bundle all plastic bags and plastic overwrap in one plastic bag and tie it shut.
• Plastic, glass, and metal materials must be empty, rinsed clean and dry.
• Paper material with food residue should be placed in the Green cart.

Tips

• Do not overfill your Blue Box
• Maximize space by partially squeezing cans, bottles, and cartons
• To minimize litter on windy days, bundle and tie newspaper and place on top of your Blue Box or place material in a clear plastic bag for collection

Unaccepted Materials

• Styrofoam (polystyrene foam)
• Coffee cups
• Paper towels
• Shredded Paper
• Coffee Pods

GREEN CART

The region is reminding residents that all food waste and compostable papers, such as paper towels and facial tissue, must be contained. Place items in paper or certified compostable bags or completely wrap in newspaper/flyers. Loose items will not be collected.

Tips

• Green cart must be put out by 7 a.m.
• Line your cart with acceptable Green Cart liners such as paper bags, or compostable bags with BPI logo. Do not use plastic shopping bags to line your kitchen catcher or Green Cart
• Bag and tie all organic material, such as used tissues. Loose items will not be collected
• Remove additional locking mechanisms before collection
• Do not put Kitchen Catchers at the curb, only your Green Cart
• Food should be taken out of plastic packaging before putting it in the Green Cart
• Remove all stickers and elastic bands from fruits and vegetables
• Rinse your cart regularly with hot water and soap 

Unacceptable Materials

• Plastic food containers
• Plastic bags
• Glass
• Metal
• Styrofoam
• Gum
• Stickers
• Elastic
• Pet waste
• Diapers
• PLA or BPI certified plastic resin food packaging (plates, cups, cutlery)
• Coffee pods