Recycling Tips

A few easy habits make pickups faster, keep your deposits intact, and help your local Collector earn more. Here's how to get every empty ready to go.

Getting Your Containers Ready

Simple steps that make a big difference

Give them a quick rinse

A fast splash of water keeps cans and bottles from getting sticky or smelly while they wait. No need to scrub — just empty out any leftovers.

Don't crush the cans

Crushed or flattened containers can be hard to count at the depot and may not scan for their deposit. Leave them whole so every empty earns its full value.

Sort by type

Keeping cans, glass, and plastic loosely grouped speeds up the count at the recycling depot — a small kindness that saves your Collector time.

Bag or bin them

Use a sturdy bag or a reusable bin so nothing spills or blows away. Tie bags loosely — easy to carry, easy to check.

Store them dry

A garage, porch, or shed corner works great. Keeping empties out of the rain stops mould and keeps labels readable for counting.

What Has a Deposit?

Most ready-to-drink beverage containers carry a refundable deposit. Common examples include:

  • Aluminum beer & soda cans
  • Glass beer & wine bottles
  • Liquor & spirit bottles
Deposit amounts and accepted containers vary by region. Check your local deposit-return program for the exact list.

Skip the Non-Deposit Items

These usually don't carry a deposit — leave them out of your pickup bag so the count stays accurate:

  • Milk & dairy jugs
  • Food cans & jars
  • Broken or shattered glass
  • Containers with the deposit label removed

When in doubt, set it aside and ask — your Collector can let you know what their depot accepts.

Tips for Collectors

Work smarter and earn more on every route

Plan your route

Group nearby pickups together so you spend less time travelling and more time collecting. Tight routes mean more stops per trip.

Pre-sort before the depot

Separate cans, glass, and plastic on the way so the count at the recycling centre goes quickly and you're paid out faster.

Be reliable & friendly

Show up in the window you committed to. Happy neighbours schedule again and tell their friends — that's how a route grows.

Ready to put these tips to work?

Save your empties and schedule a pickup — it only takes a minute.

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