Since Nov. 1, 2016, businesses and organizations​ are required to recycle the same materials we do at home plus materials specific to commercial waste such as scrap metal, clear plastic film, and raw and unprocessed wood.

As of Nov. 1, 2017, you must separate food and yard waste from the garbage for composting or diversion. See our Food and Yard Waste Bylaw Requirements​.

You must also provide signage on all collection containers and education to tenants at least once per year. See the Signage and Education Requirements.

Are you a business, company or organization?

This bylaw applies to all businesses and organizations, including property management companies, offices, stores, malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, manufacturers, factories, non-profits, places of worship, warehouses and other operations.

Program resources

Find online tools, signs and posters, best practices and success stories to help you get started with your diversion programs. See Business Waste Program: Tools and Resources.

You can also subscribe to our waste diversion business newsletter to stay up to date with commercial waste program changes.

Looking for disposal options for business waste items? Find disposal options and instructions at Waste Disposal Options for Business​.

How to comply with the recycling bylaw 

To comply with this bylaw, businesses​ need to:

  • Collect and store recyclables separately from the waste generated by your tenants, employees and/or customers.
  • Ensure recyclables are taken to a recycling facility.

For more information, download ourGuide for Building Owners and Managers.

What items must be recycled?


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Newspaper


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Catalogues and magazines


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Mixed paper


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Shredded paper


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Telephone books


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Boxboard and corrugated cardboard


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Glass jars and bottles


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Food cans and foil


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Refundable beverage containers


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Plastic containers with the recycling symbols 1-7, except polystyrene foam


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Includes plastic bags


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Juice and soup boxes (such as Tetra PaksTM


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled

Scrap metal

  • Wires and cables
  • Fixtures and fittings
  • Sheeting
  • Automotive parts
  • Metal plumbing and racks

It does not include galvanized metal, rebar or coat hangers


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Wood

  • Dimensional lumber
  • Wooden pallets

Other items made of raw and unprocessed wood

It does not include pressure treated wood, chemically treated wood, plywood, particle board, medium density fibreboard (MDF) or oriented strand board (OSB), furniture, finished or painted wood and tree stumps


Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled
Hazardous Materials Can't Be Recycled 

Clear plastic film (polyethylene)

  • Film wrap
  • Shrink wrap
  • Stretch wrap

Plastics such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE and POF

It does not include cellophane.



*Commercial loads of garbage that contain 10 per cent or more of paper and cardboard, scrap metal and recyclable wood, and/or 20 per cent or more of food and yard waste will be subject to the Designated Materials Rate at City landfills.

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We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.

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