Sorting your garbage on a daily basis can seem taxing. Yet, it’s much simpler than you think it is. Whether it’s a wilted plant, a cosmetics container or a potato bag, they all have a specific place in our bins, but how do we know whether they go into recycling, composting, garbage or to the ecocentre?

The confusion can make waste sorting a discouraging task, but don’t worry, there are a number of tools and tips available to guide you day to day. Fortunately, knowing how to sort your materials can be learned and practised!

“Ça va où?” an indispensable phone application

Recyc-Québec came up with the ingenious idea of designing the phone application “Ça va où?” Thanks to the app, anyone can become an expert in waste sorting! As you may know, the materials accepted for collection may differ from one location to another. Some cities and neighbourhoods, for example, will accept #3 plastic containers for recycling, or wooden utensils for organic waste, while others won’t.

The “Ça va où?” tool is an invaluable resource for finding out exactly what to do with any material, based on your location. Simply enter your zip code and keywords in the search bar to instantly obtain precise information on sorting in your area. The app clearly indicates whether the material goes to recycling, compost or garbage collection, or whether it should be taken to a specific drop-off point like an ecocentre.

Sorting your materials without an app

Don’t have access to a cell phone, or prefer not to use the app? No problem!

Refer to municipal organizations
Municipalities, RCMs and local boards are there to provide information on the materials accepted for collection. Most municipalities publish detailed sorting guides on their websites, accessible under “Environment,” ” Waste management,” or “Collections.”If you can’t find the information you’re looking for online, or prefer to obtain information by telephone, call the municipality directly.

Keep general sorting tips in mind
To make sorting easier on a daily basis, here are a few key points to remember:

• Recyclables: consider whether the object is a container, packaging or printed matter. Generally accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal. Avoid recycling plastics without a number or those marked number 6. For lightly soiled materials, use the recycling bin rather than the garbage bin. For specific examples of recyclable materials, check out the rubric “What goes in recycle?” on the Recyc-Québec website (French only).

• Compost: in Quebec, organic waste is mainly processed by biomethanization or composting, depending on local infrastructure. To find out whether a specific material is accepted in your area, use the tools mentioned above. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether a material is acceptable for collection: is it edible, is it paper or cardboard, or is it garden waste?

• Other materials: there will always be a certain amount of material that cannot be recycled or composted. Take them to the ecocentre, or put them in the garbage. To find out where to dispose of this waste, please check the “Ça va où?” app or contact your municipality directly.

Sorting is good, but reducing is even better

The best waste is the waste we don’t generate! We don’t have the power to control the types of packaging retailers choose to use, but we can make conscientious choices to reduce our consumption of materials:

• Choose businesses that offer recyclable and compostable packaging for take-out orders.
• Buy products in bulk or with little packaging.
• Avoid single-use items such as straws, utensils and plastic bottles.
• Prioritize reusable items such as water bottles and zero-waste kits.
• Reduce the size of your household garbage bin.

Efforts to sort materials are not limited to the general public! The Fonds Éco IGA is deploying a program to optimize waste management in IGA stores in Quebec and New Brunswick. Materials generated by merchants are sorted for proper recovery. What’s more, IGAs now accept your clean reusable containers! Click here to find out more about how this eco-friendly initiative works.

By keeping a few simple tips in mind and making responsible consumption choices, you can actively contribute to reducing your environmental footprint. Don’t forget that every little gesture counts, and that collective effort can lead to significant changes for the planet.

So put these tips into practice, use the tools at your disposal, and remember, sorting is a daily action, but reducing and reusing are integral parts of good waste management. Together, we can make a difference!

Sources:
Mobile app Ça va où? – RECYC-QUÉBEC. (August 23,2023).
https://www.recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/appmobile-cavaou/

IGA. (2023).
https://www.iga.net/en/in_the_community/environment/reusable_container

What goes in recycle? – RECYC-QUÉBEC. (July 11, 2024). (French only)
https://www.recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/citoyens/mieux-recuperer/quest-ce-qui-va-dans-le-bac/

RECYC-QUÉBEC. (2021). (French only)
https://www.recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/

Waste Management, Advisor

Sophie Lanctôt

Attracted to nature and the great outdoors, Sophie never misses an opportunity to leave the city to explore Quebec. Her studies in geography have allowed her to develop a great interest in environmental awareness and science popularization. For her, moments of friendly discussion over a glass of wine, good music and a board game are most enjoyable.

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