Reducing Recycling Bin Contamination: A Simple Action That Makes a Big Difference

Published on July 9, 2026

Did you know that nearly 13% of the materials arriving at Quebec sorting centres are contaminants, meaning items that should not be placed in the recycling bin?

These sorting mistakes increase system costs, slow down operations, and can even damage sorting equipment. In some cases, they prevent otherwise recyclable materials from being recovered.

Thanks to Quebec’s new selective collection system, it is now easier to know what belongs in the recycling bin: containers, packaging and printed materials. That’s it.

If an item is a container, packaging or printed material, it generally belongs in the recycling bin. If it is not, it probably doesn’t.

Good Habits to Adopt

PLACE MATERIALS LOOSE IN THE BIN: Do not place your recyclables in plastic bags. Sorting centres must be able to identify each material individually. Recyclables placed in bags make the sorting process more difficult and can interfere with sorting equipment.

EMPTY CONTAINERS: Containers do not need to be perfectly clean, but they should be empty. A quick rinse is sufficient when necessary.

DO NOT NEST MATERIALS: Avoid placing items inside other containers or packaging. Sorting centres need to see each material separately in order to sort it properly.

The Most Common Contaminants
The following items are not containers, packaging or printed materials:

  • light bulbs;
  • batteries;
  • clothing and textiles;
  • toys;
  • diapers;
  • syringes;
  • small electronic devices;
  • household hazardous waste.

These materials can injure workers, damage equipment, or contaminate recyclable materials. They should be taken to the appropriate collection or disposal facilities.

When in doubt, ask yourself one simple question: Is it a container, packaging or printed material? If the answer is no, it probably does not belong in the recycling bin.

You can also consult RECYC-QUÉBEC’s “ Ça va où? ” tool or visit the Bac Impact Website for a quick and reliable answer.

Together, Letʼs Reduce Contamination
Recycling starts at home. Every action taken by Baie-D’Urfé residents helps improve the quality of recovered materials, reduce processing costs, and support the circular economy.

A properly sorted recycling bin today means more materials recycled tomorrow.

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