Thunder Bay

ON

Learn more about your recycling program.

Questions?

For questions related to:

Replacement recycling containers.
Missed collections.
What you can recycle.

Please contact:

GFL Environmental

thunderbayrecycling@gflenv.com

1-844-870-4351

Website

For concerns or other recycling-related questions, please contact Circular Materials: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca | 1-877-667-2626.

Pour toute autre question ou préoccupation liée au recyclage, veuillez communiquer avec Circular Materials : customerservice@circularmaterials.ca | 1-877-667-2626.

Recycling resources

Learn more about recycling collection in Thunder Bay.

How to use your recycling cart

https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/One-Pager.pdf

What’s accepted

Metal Containers

Plastics Containers

Paper

Cardboard

Glass

Beverage Containers

Be recycle ready

Give containers a quick rinse before putting in your recycling.
Place materials clean, dry and loose in your recycling.
Flatten and bundle cardboard to save space.
Lids and labels can remain on containers.
Have your recycling to the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day.
Hazardous materials, like batteries and medical sharps, do not belong in your recycling. Safely recycle them at a designated drop off location.

Find your depot

Mountdale Avenue and Walsh Street Depot

Located across from Westgate High School
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Sundays and all statutory holidays
Watch the signs at the depot – recycling carts are labelled for specific recycling streams.
Only leave recyclables at the depots.

Front Street Depot

Located between McIntyre and Van Horne Streets
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Sundays and all statutory holidays
Watch the signs at the depot – recycling carts are labelled for specific recycling streams.
Only leave recyclables at the depots.

City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility Depot

Located at 5405 Mapleward Road (take the second right after entering the gate, before crossing the scales).
Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Sundays and statutory holidays
Watch the signs at the depot – recycling carts are labelled for specific recycling streams.
Only leave recyclables at the depots.

What’s not accepted

Books

Toys

Diapers

Pot and Pans

Hazardous Materials

Batteries

Did you receive an oops sticker?

Did you notice a yellow oops sticker on your recycling? This means your recycling had one of the following challenges:

Oversized cardboard was placed in your recycling.
Unaccepted items were included in your recycling.
Harmful materials were found in your recycling.
Incorrect container type was used for recycling.
Materials were not clean, dry, and empty.
Recyclables were not properly sorted.

How to be recycle ready

Follow these simple tips to ensure your materials are ready for collection and recycling:

Flatten and bundle your cardboard to save space in your recycling.
Check what’s accepted for recycling by reviewing the list of accepted materials.
Keep hazardous items out of recycling – check with your community for safe disposal methods.
Use the correct recycling container type.
Place materials clean, dry, and empty in your recycling.
Separate paper and cardboard from containers and place them in the appropriate bins.

Questions?

For questions about oops stickers, contact your recycling contractor.

FAQs

How do I use my recycling cart?

The new split-body carts make it easy to sort your materials and ensure they are recycled effectively. Cardboard and paper go in the grey lid side, and containers go in the blue lid side.

Where do I place my recyclables?

Blue lid:

Food and beverage cans
Plastic containers
Glass bottles and jars
Milk cartons and Tetra paks

Grey lid:

Newspapers, flyers, magazine
Cardboard and boxboard (broken down and flattened)
Paper egg cartons
Toilet and Paper towel rolls
Clean used paper such as printed paper and mail
If you have additional cardboard that doesn’t fit in your cart, place bundled cardboard beside your cart, no larger than 90cm c 60cm x 30cm broken down flat & tied with string or rope.

Where do I place my recycling cart?

When getting your recycling ready for collection day, remember to:

Place your cart out by 7 a.m. on your collection day and set your automated recycling cart so that the wheels are away from the curb (towards your home).
Place your carts on a flat surface clear of any snow and ice.
If your recyclables don’t fit, save them for your next collection day.
Place cart at least 3 feet in front of or beside fences or vehicles.
Place cart 3 feet from garbage.

What do I do if my cart breaks?

If a cart requires maintenance or a replacement, please contact GFL at 844-870-4351 or thunderbayrecycling@gflenv.com.

What are the benefits of using recycling carts instead of bags?

Improved service and efficiency: Recycling carts are highly durable and easy to handle. Instead of lifting recycling bags to the curb, you can simply wheel your recycling bin to the curb making it even easier to recycle.
Simplified sorting: Split-body recycling carts simplify sorting recyclables by providing separate compartments for paper/cardboard and containers.
Enhanced safety: Automated collection systems with recycling carts create a safer working environment for collection staff and reduce the risk of injury and accidents.
Environmental advantages: Recycling carts, with lids fully closed, help minimize litter on streets and reduce odor and pest issues.
Cost savings: Reduced costs to residents associated with buying bags .

Find out more about Ontario's recycling program

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