Did you know that not everything belongs in your blue bin? While recycling efforts have expanded to include more items than ever, there’s still a lot of confusion about what goes where. And this is the part most people miss: even with all the advancements, certain items still end up in the grey bin—destined for the landfill. But here’s where it gets controversial: are we doing enough to reduce waste, or are we relying too heavily on recycling as a catch-all solution?
The list of recyclable items in Guelph has grown significantly, now including everyday items like plastic packaging, snack wrappers, and takeout coffee cups. But what’s left for the grey bin? According to a City of Guelph spokesperson, it’s primarily these five categories (excluding organics and household hazardous waste):
- Plastic toys (batteries removed and placed in hazardous waste),
- Flushable and disposable wipes (despite their name, they’re not recyclable),
- Ceramic dishes and glasses (these often shatter and contaminate recyclable materials),
- Diapers and hygiene products (a major source of landfill waste),
- Dryer lint, cotton swabs, and dental floss (small, non-recyclable items that often slip through sorting systems).
Additionally, fabrics like unusable clothing or shoes also belong in the grey bin. Interestingly, Circular Materials, the agency overseeing recycling in Ontario, identifies items like pots, pans, and books as non-recyclable—a fact that might surprise many.
But here’s the bigger question: Why can’t we recycle more? Circular Materials emphasizes ongoing investments in recycling technologies, such as advanced sorting facilities equipped with optical sorters and material sorting machines. These innovations use sensors, cameras, and even magnets to separate materials more efficiently. For example, air jets are used to blow lighter paper products into designated collection areas, improving the quality of recycled materials.
Despite these advancements, the grey bin remains a necessary—yet often overlooked—part of waste management. For Guelph residents unsure about where specific items belong, the city’s waste wizard tool (available at https://guelph.ca/living/environment/garbage-and-recycling/) offers a handy solution. Simply select the “Wizard” option below the green bar for personalized guidance.
Controversial thought: Are we doing enough to reduce our reliance on landfills? While recycling technologies are improving, the grey bin still plays a significant role in waste disposal. What do you think? Should we focus more on reducing waste at the source, or is expanding recycling capabilities the way forward? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
