How to dispose of packaging materials after shopping

With Black Friday and the holiday season not too far away, you may be starting to buy gifts for loved ones or treating yourself to something new – which means you’ll likely end up with Styrofoam™, tissue paper, cardboard boxes and other packaging materials to sort through. 

So, which waste bins do these items belong in? Here’s the rundown:

Air-filled packaging, plastic bags, bubble wrap and Styrofoam™ 

Your online orders might come with air-filled packaging, plastic bags, padded envelopes and bubble mailers, bubble wrap, Styrofoam™ or packing peanuts. All of these items belong in the garbage and cannot be recycled in Vaughan, even if they have the recyclable symbol on them.

Cardboard boxes, paper bags, tissue paper and shredded paper

Cardboard boxes, 100 per cent paper bags and tissue paper go in the blue box. Ensure cardboard is broken down, flattened and bundled securely. Small amounts of shredded paper can be placed in the green bin. Large volumes of shredded paper can be placed in a clear plastic bag and dropped off at a York Region waste depot for recycling. 

Don’t guess – check what goes where!

If you don’t know where to dispose of an item, use the online ‘What Goes Where?’ sorting tool to check using the search function. You can also download the free Recycle Coach app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for more sorting help. The app also provides waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put to the curb each week. 

Need a new blue box or green bin?

Buying a waste bin has never been easier! Visit vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan to purchase your bin(s) and schedule a delivery right to your home. Alternatively, buy blue boxes and green bins at select community centres while supplies last. You can also sign up to exchange a broken City-issued blue box or green bin for a new one online through Service Vaughan.

To learn more about waste collection in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

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