Recycling

How to Properly Sort Your Recycling in Edmonton

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and protect the environment, but it’s only effective when done correctly. In Edmonton, the city has a specific recycling program that ensures materials are processed efficiently and responsibly. Sorting your recycling properly not only helps the environment but also supports Edmonton’s zero-waste goals.

Here’s a guide to help you sort your recycling like a pro!

1. Understand Edmonton’s Blue Bag Program

Edmonton uses a blue bag system for household recyclables. All recyclable items should be placed in blue bags and set out on your regular collection day. The city’s recycling facilities sort and process these materials, so following the guidelines is essential to keep the system running smoothly.

2. Know What Goes in the Blue Bag

Here’s a quick breakdown of items you can recycle in Edmonton’s blue bag program:

Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, flyers, envelopes, flattened boxes, and clean paper bags.
Plastic Containers: Bottles, jugs, tubs, and rigid packaging labeled with recycling symbols #1 to #7.
Metal Containers: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and foil (clean and balled).
Glass Containers: Clean jars and bottles with lids removed.

3. Avoid Common Recycling Mistake

Not everything belongs in the blue bag. Placing the wrong items in your recycling can contaminate the entire batch, potentially sending it to the landfill. Avoid these common mistakes:

No Food-Soiled Items: Pizza boxes with grease, used paper towels, or dirty containers should not be recycled. Rinse all containers before placing them in the blue bag.
No Plastic Bags or Wraps: These can get tangled in sorting equipment. Instead, take them to a local recycling depot that accepts soft plastics.
No Hazardous Materials: Batteries, electronics, paint cans, and other hazardous items require special disposal at an Edmonton Eco Station.
No Non-Recyclable Plastics: Items like Styrofoam, plastic utensils, and straws are not accepted in the blue bag program.

4. Separate Yard Waste and Organic Materials

Organic waste and yard debris don’t belong in the blue bag. Edmonton provides a separate green cart for compostable materials like food scraps, grass clippings, and leaves. Properly separating your organic waste reduces landfill contributions and supports the city’s composting initiatives.

5. Use Eco Stations for Specialty Items

Some items require special handling and shouldn’t be placed in your blue bag. Edmonton’s Eco Stations accept a variety of materials, including:

Electronics (e.g., TVs, laptops, phones)
Household hazardous waste (e.g., paint, cleaning chemicals)
Large appliances
Scrap metal

Drop off these items to ensure they are disposed of responsibly.

6. Flatten and Compact Your Recycling

Flatten cardboard boxes and crush cans or plastic containers to save space in your blue bag. This makes collection and processing more efficient and ensures you can fit more items in each bag.

7. Label Your Blue Bag Properly

Clearly label your blue bags if they contain unique items, like glass containers, to help Edmonton’s recycling team sort them more efficiently. While this isn’t mandatory, it’s a helpful step to streamline the process.

8. Stay Informed on Recycling Updates

Recycling guidelines can change, so staying informed is important. Visit the City of Edmonton’s recycling page regularly to check for updates on accepted materials, drop-off locations, and special programs.

Make Recycling Easy and Effective

Recycling properly is a small but impactful way to contribute to Edmonton’s sustainability goals. By sorting your recyclables correctly, you’re helping reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and support a cleaner, greener community.

If you have larger items or excess recycling that you’re unsure how to handle, You Junk It… I Dump It offers eco-friendly junk removal services in Edmonton. We’ll help ensure that your items are recycled or disposed of responsibly. Contact us today to schedule a pickup and simplify your recycling efforts!

a woman sitting in a grassy area with a recycle sign

Recycling Junk Removal

The Environmental Benefits of Choosing Professional Junk Removal

Decluttering your home or business can feel overwhelming, especially when you consider the environmental impact of disposing of unwanted items. That’s where professional junk removal services come in. Beyond convenience, choosing a professional service in Edmonton can significantly benefit the environment by promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

Here’s how hiring a junk removal company helps protect Edmonton’s natural beauty and aligns with the city’s eco-friendly goals.

1. Maximizing Recycling Efforts

Professional junk removal services have the expertise and resources to sort items and ensure they’re recycled properly. Instead of everything going to the landfill, recyclable materials like metal, plastic, wood, and electronics are diverted to appropriate facilities. This reduces Edmonton’s landfill burden and conserves valuable resources.

Example: E-waste like old computers and televisions contains valuable metals that can be recycled but also hazardous materials that require careful disposal. A junk removal company ensures these items are handled responsibly.

2. Promoting Reuse Through Donations

Many items considered “junk” can still be used by others. Professional junk removal services often collaborate with local charities and organizations to donate usable furniture, appliances, clothing, and other items. This helps reduce waste while supporting Edmonton communities.

Example: Gently used furniture from a cleanout could go to a local charity like Habitat for Humanity, providing essential resources for those in need.

3. Reducing Carbon Emissions

When you handle junk removal yourself, multiple trips to the landfill or recycling centers can significantly increase your carbon footprint. Junk removal companies streamline the process by collecting and sorting everything in one trip, reducing overall emissions.

Example: A single trip with a professional truck can replace several carloads of waste, cutting down on fuel consumption and pollution.

4. Responsible Disposal of Hazardous Material

Certain items, such as paint, batteries, or old appliances, contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Professional junk removal services know how to handle these items and ensure they’re taken to certified disposal facilities.

Example: A professional team ensures old refrigerators, which contain harmful refrigerants, are processed correctly to avoid environmental contamination.

5. Supporting Edmonton’s Zero Waste Goals

Edmonton is committed to reducing landfill waste and achieving its zero-waste goals through initiatives like recycling and composting. Junk removal services play a crucial role by adhering to these principles, ensuring items are recycled, reused, or composted whenever possible.

Example: Organic waste, like yard debris or old wood, can be composted instead of dumped, turning potential waste into valuable resources for landscaping or farming.

6. Encouraging Sustainable Practices

Hiring a junk removal company encourages sustainable habits by showing how waste can be managed responsibly. It’s a simple yet impactful way to contribute to Edmonton’s environmental goals while keeping your space clean and organized.

Example: A professional service not only removes your junk but often educates clients on how to reduce and manage waste more effectively.

Why Choose Local Junk Removal in Edmonton?

Local companies understand Edmonton’s unique waste management systems and environmental goals. They’re equipped to work within city guidelines and often partner with local recycling and donation centers to maximize their impact.

Partner with an Eco-Friendly Junk Removal Service

At You Junk It… I Dump It, we’re proud to be part of Edmonton’s push for sustainability. Our team ensures that your junk is handled responsibly, with a focus on recycling, donating, and proper disposal. By choosing our professional services, you’re not just decluttering your space—you’re making a positive impact on the environment.

Contact us today to schedule your eco-friendly junk removal service and take the first step toward a cleaner, greener Edmonton!

Recycling

10 Creative Ways to Upcycle ‘Junk’ Items

Before you toss that old chair or empty jar in the trash, consider this: with a little creativity, what seems like junk can become something useful and beautiful. Upcycling not only saves items from the landfill but also adds unique, personalized touches to your home. Here are 10 creative ways to give new life to items you might otherwise discard.

1. Turn Old Furniture into Garden Décor

Got an old chair or dresser? Instead of tossing it, repurpose it for your garden. A chair can become a quirky flower planter, and dresser drawers can serve as rustic garden beds. With a coat of weather-resistant paint, your “junk” can become a charming outdoor feature.

2. Use Mason Jars for Storage

Empty mason jars or other glass containers make perfect storage solutions. Use them to organize kitchen staples like spices, pantry items, or utensils. For a decorative touch, paint the jars or add labels to fit your style.

3. Transform Wooden Pallets into Furniture

Wooden pallets are versatile upcycling gems. With some sanding and staining, they can be turned into coffee tables, bookshelves, or even a rustic bed frame. Pallets are perfect for adding a trendy, industrial vibe to your space.

4. Make a Jewelry Holder from an Old Frame

Repurpose an old picture frame into a jewelry holder. Remove the glass and replace it with wire mesh or hooks to hang necklaces and earrings. Paint the frame in a fun color to match your décor.

5. Turn Tin Cans into Planters

Don’t throw out those empty tin cans! They make excellent planters for herbs or small flowers. Decorate the cans with paint, burlap, or ribbon for a charming, eco-friendly addition to your windowsill or garden.

6. Convert Old Ladders into Shelving

An old wooden ladder can be repurposed into a unique shelving unit. Lean it against a wall and use the rungs to display books, plants, or decorative items. It’s a great way to add a rustic touch to any room.

7. Create a Chalkboard from an Old Mirror or Windo

Have an old mirror or window lying around? Turn it into a chalkboard. Apply chalkboard paint to the surface, and you’ve got a functional and stylish memo board for your kitchen, office, or kids’ room.

8. Build a Pet Bed from a Suitcase

An old suitcase can become a cozy pet bed with just a few adjustments. Remove the top half, add a cushion or blanket, and your furry friend will have a stylish, upcycled place to rest.

9. Use Wine Corks for a Bulletin Board

If you’ve collected a stash of wine corks, put them to good use by making a bulletin board. Glue the corks onto a wooden board or an old frame, creating a functional and eye-catching spot to pin notes and photos.

10. Repurpose T-Shirts into Tote Bags

Turn old T-shirts into reusable tote bags by cutting and sewing them. This simple project is not only eco-friendly but also a fun way to give sentimental shirts a new purpose.

Start Upcycling Today

Upcycling isn’t just about being environmentally friendly—it’s also a way to flex your creative muscles and personalize your space. The next time you’re about to throw something away, think about how it could be transformed into something beautiful or practical.

And if you have items that truly can’t be upcycled, let You Junk It… I Dump It help you responsibly dispose of them. We’re committed to eco-friendly junk removal in Edmonton, ensuring your items are recycled or donated whenever possible. Contact us today for a clutter-free, sustainable solution!

a group of people in a factory sorting recycling

Junk Removal Recycling

Top Items People Forget to Recycle When Decluttering

Decluttering your home or office feels amazing, but it’s easy to forget that not everything belongs in the trash. Many items that clutter our spaces can actually be recycled or reused, reducing waste and helping Edmonton stay green. Unfortunately, some recyclable items often get overlooked during the cleanup process.

Here’s a list of commonly forgotten recyclables and how you can make sure they’re properly handled during your decluttering project.

1. Electronics (E-Waste)

Old phones, chargers, laptops, and other electronics contain valuable materials like copper and gold, but they also include hazardous components. Instead of tossing them in the trash, take them to one of Edmonton’s Eco Stations, where they can be responsibly recycled.

2. Batteries

From AA batteries to car batteries, many people forget these shouldn’t end up in the garbage. Batteries can leak harmful chemicals into the environment if improperly disposed of. Drop them off at designated recycling depots in Edmonton for safe disposal.

3. Light Bulbs

Incandescent, LED, and fluorescent light bulbs are often overlooked. Fluorescent bulbs, in particular, contain small amounts of mercury and should be taken to an Eco Station or similar recycling facility to prevent environmental contamination.

4. Textiles and Old Clothing

Torn or outdated clothing, linens, and textiles are often seen as garbage, but they can be recycled. Edmonton has textile recycling programs and donation bins throughout the city, ensuring even damaged items can be repurposed.

5. Appliances

Small appliances like toasters, blenders, and microwaves can often be recycled, as they contain metals and other reusable materials. Larger appliances, like refrigerators, may require special handling but are also recyclable at designated facilities.

6. Mattresses and Furniture

Bulky items like mattresses and furniture take up space in landfills but can often be recycled or refurbished. Many junk removal companies, like You Junk It… I Dump It, work with recycling facilities in Edmonton to ensure these items are properly processed.

7. Cardboard and Paper

While most people know to recycle cardboard boxes, items like shredded paper, receipts, and paper packaging are often missed. Edmonton’s blue bag recycling system accepts these materials, making it easy to include them in your routine.

8. Plastic Bags and Wrapping

Many people forget that plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other soft plastics can be recycled. Edmonton’s Recycling Depots accept these items, but be sure to check local guidelines for proper sorting and drop-off locations.

Make Recycling Easy with Professional Help

Decluttering is already a big job, and figuring out what’s recyclable can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional junk removal services like You Junk It… I Dump It come in. We’re committed to environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that as many items as possible are recycled or donated instead of ending up in the landfill.

Get Started Today

The next time you declutter, take a closer look at what you’re throwing away. By recycling the items you might otherwise overlook, you’re not just clearing out your space—you’re helping keep Edmonton clean and green. Contact You Junk It… I Dump It for eco-friendly junk removal services and let us handle the heavy lifting and sorting for you!

Category Archives: Recycling