Recycling can seem daunting, but with the right information and tools, it becomes a straightforward and impactful habit! Take a peek at our guide below on how to recycle effectively.
🧼 Preparing Your Recyclables
Getting your materials prepped for your depot trip is quick and easy. Before heading to a SARCAN depot, ensure your items are:
- Clean and Dry: Rinse containers to remove food residue.
- Sorted: Separate materials into categories: flexible plastics, foam packaging, and non-deposit glass.
- Properly Packaged:
- Flexible Plastics: Place clean, empty items like bread bags, overwrap and crinkly wrappers like chip bags into a single bag.
Pro tip: You don’t need to use a new bag to place your flexible plastics in, just bundle them into a clear larger flexible plastic, like a zipperlock bag or the overwrap from toilet paper bundles.
- Foam Packaging: Separate white and colored foam. Remove labels, tape, and any non-foam materials.
- Non-Deposit Glass: Remove lids and place glass bottles and jars in a sturdy container for transport to a SARCAN depot, like a cardboard box or plastic tote. You’ll hand these to a SARCAN depot employee when you arrive!
Note: At the SARCAN depot, remove caps and lids from glass containers and place them in the designated cap receptacle. Remove them beforehand for a quicker drop off!
♻️ What You Can Recycle
- Flexible Plastics: Includes items like plastic shopping bags, bread bags, overwrap from paper towels and toilet paper, and zipper-lock pouches.
For more information on flexible plastics, including a full material list, visit our blog here.
- Foam Packaging: Acceptable items are foam trays, foam egg cartons, and cushion packaging from electronics and appliances. Ensure they are clean and sorted into white and colour .
You can learn more about recycling foam packaging here.
- Non-Deposit Glass: Clear and coloured non-deposit glass bottles and jars can be recycled. Remember to remove lids and rinse them.
You can learn more about recycling glass here.
️ At a SARCAN Depot
Once you’re at a SARCAN depot, you’ll find receptacles like the ones pictured below:
Sorting your recyclables beforehand makes this process quick and easy—be sure to separate your flexible plastics, foam packaging, and glass! Non-deposit glass can be given directly to a SARCAN depot worker.
🗺️ Finding a SARCAN Depot
To locate your nearest SARCAN depot, visit the Find a Depot page.
All SARCAN depots accept flexible plastics, foam packaging, and non-deposit glass bottles and jars.
By following this guide and utilizing the preparation practices mentioned, you can make a significant impact on the environment through effective recycling. Remember, every small effort counts toward a sustainable future.
For more details about accepted items at SARCAN depots, visit https://sarcan.ca/now-accepted-at-sarcan/