Single-stream recycling now in effect in Muskoka: do you know what you can recycle?

A message from the District of Muskoka

Recycling right makes a difference. When we recycle, it benefits the environment in several ways—material and natural resources are preserved, energy is saved during the manufacturing process, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced that contribute to climate change, and less waste is sent to our only landfill. 

At the same time, recycling markets have become much more strict about the quality of the recycling materials they accept – it’s time to throw out bad recycling habits and recycle right.

It’s not enough to just recycle; it’s important to recycle right.

Our recyclables in Muskoka are now going to a state-of-the-art facility that can effectively sort mixed recycling. We are adapting to the ever-changing material types manufacturers are putting into the marketplace to make sure we are recycling as much as possible to reach our goal of 60 per cent waste diversion. 

We are committed to providing consistent, weekly service this summer—collecting mixed recycling will offer more efficient collections for crews who typically run two recycling routes to collect both streams (paper products and containers.)

What is changing?

Our community can now mix acceptable recyclables (paper products and containers) together in one box, bin, or clear bag. Residents will see a single truck collecting recyclables, and collection will take place whether residents have separated recyclables or mixed them together.

Sorting, however, is still critical—in that you need to be absolutely sure you are only recycling the acceptable items in our program.  

We need your help.

Tossing items that are not acceptable into your recycling can do great harm to recycling collectors and equipment.  Placing wrong items in the recycling can be unsafe to those who collect, transport, and process the material and can result in serious injury and equipment fires. Items like propane camping cylinders, batteries, sharps/needles, and lightbulbs are not recyclable and require special care.

To learn more about how to properly dispose of any item, try our Waste Wizard online at www.muskokarecycles.ca or our Muskoka Recycles app. 

• Keep lids on – Keeping lids on makes sure lids/caps reach their final destination. Small loose items are not recyclable and often end up as litter.
• Empty recyclables – Dirty material can’t be recycled. Empty any products with food inside—this will also help prevent unwanted critters from being attracted to your material at the curbside. 
• No coffee pods – The coffee pod market is not standardized. Some manufacturers use recyclable plastic outer containers, others make pods from ‘compostable’ plastic resins or organic products, and others make them from a combination of these materials. This makes it challenging and costly to recycling programs. Keep all coffee pods out of your recycling, or consider using a refillable pod.
• No textiles/clothing – These items cannot be recycled in our recycling program—there are more valuable and effective ways of handling this material. Look for donation bins, non-profits, charities, and thrift shops around your area to donate textiles, including clothing, curtains, towels, and scrap fabric.

When we recycle right, we can make a difference for our environment and our community. To find out “what goes where”  visit our website at www.muskokarecycles.ca or download our free Muskoka Recycles mobile app and try our Waste Wizard.    

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