Toronto expanding plastic recycling program

Toronto’s Blue Bin recycling program, one of North America’s largest residential curbside recycling programs, is set to become even bigger with the addition of new types of soft plastic.

Beginning June 1, 2015, the list of plastic film materials accepted in the Blue Bin program will be expanded. With the addition of this material, the City anticipates that approximately 3,500 additional tonnes will be recycled and diverted from landfill, a 2% increase in increase the amount of post-consumer material gathered through Blue Bin diversion.

As listed on the City of Toronto website, TO residents can put the following post-consumer plastic items in their Blue Bin (recycling bin), without the need to sort the recyclables:

• Mixed rigid plastic: clamshell containers, clear fruit and vegetable containers, clear takeout containers and molded bakery-item trays, plastic egg cartons, disposable plastic plates and cups, clear compact disk cases (empty).

• Plastic food jars, tubs & lids: such as margarine, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese & sour cream containers.

• Plastic bottles & jugs: with lids securely fastened.

• Plastic grocery & retail bags: without drawstrings, metal detailing or hard plastic handles. Remove receipts and put bags in one bag & tie handles closed.

• Foam polystyrene: such as protective packaging, meat trays, takeout food containers, plates, egg cartons & coffee cups. (The City sends Polystyrene to Canada Fibers Ltd.)