Ontario’s recycling program is now run by Circular Materials, and its CEO Alan Langdon says residents can recycle more items than ever — as long as they are reasonably clean.
Under new provincial rules that took effect Jan. 1, the program has moved to one expanded, unified list of accepted materials, including items that were once confusing or rejected.
That includes deodorant sticks, toothpaste tubes and flexible plastics. Langdon said manufacturers have also shifted to single-plastic packaging that is easier to recycle.
Langdon adds people do not need to scrub containers spotless, but they should make a clear effort.
That means squeezing out leftover toothpaste, deodorant or hand cream before tossing the tube in the blue box.
Alcohol containers are treated differently under Ontario’s extended producer responsibility rules.
Beer and wine bottles should still be returned for refunds through the deposit program, but putting them in the blue box will not stop collection.
