In this guide, we break down 10 of the most common recycling myths and share practical tips you can use right away!
At HSR Services, we appreciate how committed Canadians are to protecting the environment. But even the most eco-conscious households and businesses can be tripped up by common recycling myths.
Through our work with communities and businesses across the Lower Mainland, we鈥檝e seen how small misunderstandings can lead to big contamination issues. The good news is that when you know the truth behind these myths, recycling becomes easier, more effective, and even more rewarding!
1. Myth: Paper Coffee Cups Are Recyclable
We see these cups everywhere and they look like regular paper so this one is very common. However most disposable coffee cups have a hidden plastic lining inside that makes them difficult for standard recycling programs.
What You Can Do: Bring a reusable mug or look up any local coffee cup drop-off programs. Some cities and caf茅s offer discounts too!
2. Myth: All Cardboard Goes In The Paper Recycling Bag, Including Pizza Boxes
We understand why this seems right, since most people know that cardboard is recyclable! However, once cardboard absorbs grease or food, it can’t be turned into new paper products.聽
What You Can Do: Tear off and recycle the clean sections of the box. Put the greasy parts in the compost bin if you have one. Every little bit of proper sorting helps keep the recycling stream clean!
3. Myth: Containers Don’t Need Much Cleaning
Your effort to rinse is great and it really matters. However a quick rinse might not be enough. Food residue can contaminate whole batches of recycling. Recycling facilities need containers to be clean enough so materials can be properly processed.
What You Can Do: Rinse containers until they look empty and free of food residue. You can even reuse your dishwater to save water!
4. Myth: Any Plastic with a Number Is Recyclable
That little recycling number can be confusing even for experienced recyclers. Every city accepts different plastics and they are not all the same.
What You Can Do: Most Canadian cities accept plastics #1, #2, #4, and #5. Your city鈥檚 website tells you exactly what they take. For example in Port Coquitlam you can place plastics #1, #2, #4 and #5 in your blue box for curbside collection. Once you know your local rules, you’ll feel confident every time you recycle!
5. Myth: Bagging Recyclables Keeps Everything Organized
Your thoughtfulness in keeping items tidy is appreciated. However plastic bags can clog machinery and make it harder for workers at sorting facilities.
What You Can Do: Place recyclables loose in your recycling bin. Save any plastic bags for return to your grocery store drop-off station.
6. Myth: All Glass Items Can Go in Glass Recycling
It is natural to assume that all glass belongs together. However, most glass needs to be recycled separately because it can easily break, damaging recycling equipment and creating safety hazards for workers.
What You Can Do: Stick to recycling glass bottles and jars with lids removed and make sure they go into the dedicated glass bin separate from other recyclables. In Port Coquitlam glass bottles and jars have been accepted in the new curbside glass bin since early 2025. For other types of glass like windows mirrors or dishes check your city鈥檚 guidelines or take them to a specialized drop-off depot.
7. Myth: Styrofoam Is Recyclable
Styrofoam containers look light and clean so it is easy to assume they can go in with your other recyclables. Unfortunately most curbside programs cannot process Styrofoam.
What You Can Do: Bring clean Styrofoam to a designated drop-off depot if your community offers one. Choosing reusable containers whenever you can is a simple and positive step too. At HSR Services we accept Styrofoam (also known as white expanded polystyrene or EPS) for recycling. Click to learn more about scheduling a collection or drop-off with us.
8. Myth: Shredded Paper Goes in with Regular Paper
Shredding sensitive documents is smart but those tiny pieces can fall through sorting screens and fly around facilities making them hard to capture.
What You Can Do: Place shredded paper in a sealed paper bag and label it. This keeps the pieces together and makes it easier for recycling workers to do their job. At HSR we also offer commercial shredding services using professional machines to process shredding for our clients.
9. Myth: When Unsure, It鈥檚 Better to Recycle Than Throw Away
Your good intentions help a lot. However putting non-recyclable items in the wrong recycling bin will slow down recycling or might cause whole batches to be rejected.
What You Can Do: Quickly look up your local recycling rules. Many cities have easy apps or websites to help you check any unsure items before you toss them in the bin. If your city does not accept an item there may be other recycling companies that do. HSR Services accepts a range of recyclable and reusable items. Click here to view our commercial recycling list and explore your options!
10. Myth: All Takeout Containers Are Recyclable
With so many different types of containers it can be very confusing. Dark plastics especially cannot be sorted properly and end up contaminating the recycling.
What You Can Do: Look up your local recycling rules to see what is accepted. Many cities offer apps or websites to check quickly. Even if curbside collection doesn鈥檛 accept them there may be other options. For example HSR Services accepts a range of recyclable and reusable items!
Together, We Can Make a Difference
That鈥檚 it for this series of recycling myths! Every small action from choosing reusable options to making sure your blue bin is properly sorted, adds up to a big difference for our communities.
By sharing this knowledge and making informed choices you help build a more sustainable future for all of us. HSR Services is proud to be part of this journey with you. If you have questions or want to learn more about our recycling and waste management services, please feel free to reach out to our team at HSR Services or give us a call for a quote!
About Happy Stan鈥檚 Recycling Services Ltd. (HSR Services)
馃摓 Contact us today if you have questions or want to learn more about our recycling and waste management services, please feel free to reach out to our team at HSR Services or give us a call for a quote!
