Recycling

Do

• Separate your recycling into Fibres (papers) and Containers (Plastics)
• Place your recycling out before 7 a.m. on your collection day
• Keep your recycling under 20kg (44lbs)
• Use City-Approved bins – which may be purchased from the Engineering Office located at 944 James Street

• Flatten and bundle your cardboard into pieces no larger than 75x75x20 cm (30x30x8 in) and place next to your recycling bin if it does not fit inside. Do not place in another cardboard box. If cardboard is bigger than that it won’t fit in the truck.  it’s as simple as that!

• Allow your recycling to freely fall from the bins
• Place your recycling 1m from the curb and in a visible location to drivers
• Place heavy recycling on top, or keep recycling below the rim on the bin to reduce it blowing away in the wind

Don't

• Place any sharps or needles in your recycling (this includes sharp metal, broken glass, broken ceramics, etc.)
  Why? It is not recycling and it creates a serious safety hazard for our operators and can result in deep cuts or disease. Needles/sharps are not accepted in our waste program and must be disposed of properly.

• Overstuff your containers
  Why? Recycling is unable to freely fall out of your containers and it is not feasible for our operators to pull our recycling that has been stuck to the bottom as they have over 1,500 households to collect from.

• Mix your recycling
  Why? Woodstock is part of a 2-stream recycling system which means your fibres and containers must be separated.

• Place recycling on snow banks
  Why? It is a safety hazard. Our operators will not climb to retrieve recycling containers.

• Leave ripped or damaged bags out for collection or allow your recycling to blow away
  Why? Any debris left behind is the property owner’s responsibility to clean up

• Exceed the maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) per bag
  Why? We don’t want to break our operator’s backs. If it’s overweight it will not be collected.

Acceptable Recycling Containers

• Containers must contain proper drainage holes.
• Containers larger than 24" must have a fixed handle and pocket handle for lifting.
• Containers larger than 122L must have an integrated lift bar.
• Containers must be in good condition and not broken or cracked.
• Containers must weigh no more than 20kg/44lbs.
• Maximum opening dimensions/diameter is 20".

Did we miss your property?

We are human, if we missed your property and there is no sticker on your recycling, please contact the Engineering and Public Works Department by calling 519-539-2382 ext. 3104 or 3102. 

However, if you have not followed our procedures correctly, your garbage and recycling will not be picked up and you will be responsible for disposing of the materials yourself. Recycling may be put out for your next collection week or dropped off at the Enviro Depot at 944 James Street.