Recycling Contamination Reduction
Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce waste and protect the environment. But when items that don't belong are placed in recycling carts, they can contaminate recyclable materials and make them harder to process.
The City of New Westminster is working with residents to reduce recycling contamination and keep our recycling program effective and affordable.
What is Recycling Contamination?
Recycling contamination happens when items that are not accepted in the curbside recycling program are placed in recycling carts.
Contamination can make recycling more difficult and expensive. It can also result in recyclable materials being sent to the landfill instead of being recycled.
How to Recycle Right?
Everyone can help reduce contamination by putting the right items in their recycling carts.
Before placing an item in your recycling cart:
- Check that it's accepted. Not all recyclable materials belong in your curbside recycling cart. Some items must be taken to a recycling depot.
- Empty and rinse containers. Remove leftover food and liquids before recycling.
- Keep food scraps and garbage out. These materials belong in your organics or garbage cart.
- Keep recyclables loose. Do not place recyclables inside plastic bags unless specifically directed by the recycling program.
Not sure where something goes?
Use the Recycle Coach app or visit Recycle BC's recycling guide to find out how to recycle or dispose of an item. Information is in English, French, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, and Punjabi.
Why Reducing Contamination Matters
Recycle BC requires the City's curbside recycling program to maintain a contamination rate of 5% or less.
High contamination rates can result in financial penalties for the City. These additional costs may affect the fees residents pay for solid waste collection.
By recycling correctly, we can help:
- Keep recyclable materials out of landfills.
- Reduce unnecessary waste and processing costs.
- Conserve natural resources and energy.
- Keep the City's recycling program affordable and sustainable.
How the City is Reducing Contamination
The City's Contamination Reduction Plan focuses on education, monitoring and enforcement to help residents recycle correctly.
Education and support
The City provides information to help residents understand what belongs in their recycling, organics and garbage carts.
Recycling information is shared through collection calendars, cart labels, utility notices, social media, postcards and other educational materials.
Recycling cart labels
The City began adding labels to recycling cart lids in 2023. These labels show which materials are accepted and which are not.
Recycling cart inspections
Since summer 2024, City staff have been inspecting residential recycling carts to identify contamination and help residents improve their recycling habits.
Staff use cart tags to explain sorting problems and provide opportunities to correct them before further enforcement action is taken.
What Happens if My Recycling Cart is Contaminated?
City staff conduct inspections of residential recycling carts to help identify contamination and provide residents with information about proper recycling.
Understanding recycling cart tags
1. Oops! Tag — First Reminder
Your cart contains one or more items that are not accepted in the curbside recycling program.
The tag identifies the items that don't belong and helps you sort them correctly in the future.
2. Rejected Tag — Collection Not Completed
Your cart continues to contain items that are not accepted.
Your cart will not be emptied. Remove the unacceptable items before your next scheduled collection.
3. Red Tag — Formal Bylaw Notice
Contamination continues after previous warnings.
Your cart will not be emptied, and a formal bylaw notice will be mailed to your residence.
4. Refusal of Service and Fine
If contamination continues, your recycling collection service may be suspended, and you may receive a fine of up to $325 under the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318.2009.
Need Help Sorting Your Recycling?
We're here to help!
If you're unsure whether an item belongs in your recycling cart, check the Recycle BC recycling guide or use the Recycle Coach app.
You can also contact the City's Contamination Reduction team for assistance with recycling and waste sorting at crp@newwestcity.ca.