The transition to Ontario’s new recycling program hasn’t been a smooth one.

From complaints about missed collections, poor communication, and the need to privatize what was once a public service, new service provider Circular Materials has its work cut out.

But the most confusing aspect of the transition, according to what residents are saying across the province, concerns what can and cannot now go into blue bins and blue boxes.

While the information has been out there for some time, many weren’t paying attention, which has led to some of the problems.

For the most part, the reason behind the confusion is that up until now, municipalities across Ontario had different rules regarding what could be recycled. What was tossed into the blue bin in Toronto was different from what was allowed in Mississauga, Hamilton or Ottawa.

The switch to the province-wide program now run by the non-profit private company Circular Materials means that recyclables are now standardized. This means whatever is accepted in the blue bin in Windsor is the same as in Kingston or anywhere else in Ontario.

This step is important, according to the Ontario government, which mandated the change, because it should lead to less contamination. In other words, there should be fewer instances of items that don’t belong ending up in the blue bin. And at that same time, it should mean that items that should be recycled don’t end up in the trash.

So, when it comes to sorting, here is what you need to know according to Circular Materials.

What is acceptable in blue bins and blue boxes :

Cardboard boxes

Pizza boxes, direct mail boxes, moving boxes, shoe boxes.

Flatten. No larger than 60 x 60 cm.

Boxboard

Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, egg cartons, rolls from toilet paper and paper towel.

Flatten.

Empty.

Paper laminate packaging

Pet food bags, food service paper bags, and plates.

Empty and free from food residue.

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