Recent waste audits have indicated that not all recyclables are being captured in the blue box. Click on the links below to view some examples of what is being missed:

Spiral-Wound Containers (frozen juice, chip containers)
Gable-Top Containers & Tetra-Paks (milk / juice cartons, drinking boxes and broth)
Empty Aerosol Cans
Clean Aluminum Foil & Trays

Click on the links below to view some common blue box offenders:

Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Plastic Bags & Film
Clamshell Packaging (commonly used for produce and baked goods)

The County of Simcoe has a 2-stream recycling program currently in place, (containers & paper fibres) which must be separated with 2 recycling bins. Material must be placed out to the curb on your regular collection day by 7:00am. Recycling placed out for collection must adhere to the following acceptable items:

Q: There is a recycling symbol on the bottom of my plastic container; doesn't that mean it's recyclable?

A: Not necessarily. The presence of a recycling symbol on the container does not mean that it is recyclable; it is merely how the plastics industry voluntarily identifies the various types of plastic. the County of Simcoe accepts only #1,2,4,5 and 7 plastic bottles jugs, tubs or lids (4L/1Gallon or less). #3 and #6 plastics and any other plastic items that do not fall within the shape parameters are not accepted.

Q: What is clamshell packaging? 

A: It is a type of clear plastic packaging often used for produce, baked goods or take out containers (shown above). These containers are referred to as 'clamshell packaging' as they open like a clamshell. This type of material is not accepted in the County of Simcoe's blue box program. 

Q: Why can't I put my clamshells in my blue box?

A: Any materials that the County collects in it's blue box program must have a market or end user. The County is not aware of any markets for this material in North America. Some municipalities ship these materials to off-shore markets in developing countries where environmental and labour standards are much lower than in North America. Therefore at this time, the County of Simcoe  is not considering collection of clamshell packaging in the blue box program but will continue to monitor markets for future consideration.

Q: What do I do with my clamshell packaging? 

A: Unfortunately they have to go into the garbage. Consider packaging when purchasing items. For example, try to purchase products with little or choose products packaged in materials that are acceptable in the County of Simcoe's recycling program. Remember it's reduce before recycle.