What Items Can You Recycle in Your Rental Bin? A Homeowner’s Guide

If you’re planning a big home cleanout or renovation project, a rental bin can be a convenient way to manage your waste, especially when it comes to recycling. But not everything you toss into a bin is accepted as recyclable. At Scarborough Disposal, we offer bins that are perfect for responsible household recycling, provided you know what you can and can’t include. This recycling guide breaks it all down for homeowners looking to stay eco-friendly and compliant.

What Can You Recycle in a Scarborough Disposal Bin?

When it comes to household recycling, many common items are accepted in our bins, provided they are clean, dry, and sorted correctly. Here’s a look at what you can safely recycle:

Paper and Cardboard

• Newspapers, magazines, and junk mail
• Flattened cardboard boxes (must be clean and dry)
• Office paper and envelopes (avoid plastic windows)

These materials are typically high-volume items during renovations and cleanouts, especially when clearing out storage spaces or home offices. It’s important to remove any non-paper components like plastic or metal clips to ensure smooth processing.

Metals and Aluminum

• Aluminum cans like soda or beer cans
• Clean tin food cans
• Small metal household items like baking trays or curtain rods

Metal is one of the most easily recyclable materials. Just be sure to rinse cans and containers before tossing them in the bin. Rusted items or heavily soiled metal should be kept out, as they may not meet quality standards for recycling facilities.

Plastics

• Numbered plastics #1–#5 (must be empty and rinsed)
• Rigid plastic containers with recycling symbols, like shampoo or detergent bottles
• No plastic film, bags, or wrap

Many homeowners overestimate what types of plastic can go in the bin. Clamshell containers, margarine tubs, and other food containers are usually acceptable, but foam, film wrap, and biodegradable plastics should always be avoided.

Glass

• Bottles and jars made of clear, green, or brown glass (must be rinsed)
• No broken glass, mirrors, light bulbs, or ceramics

Always remove lids or caps before recycling glass items. These are often made from different materials that can interfere with the recycling process.

Household Items That May Be Recyclable

Not all recycling fits neatly into blue bin categories. When using a Scarborough Disposal rental bin for waste disposal, you may be able to include some household items, provided they meet the right conditions:

• Small appliances (like kettles or toasters) if mostly metal and stripped of cords or batteries
• Furniture pieces made entirely of recyclable material, such as all-wood tables
• Electronics may be accepted if pre-approved, contact us to confirm before tossing them in

If in doubt, always check with Scarborough Disposal. We’ll help guide you through the process and confirm if certain items require special disposal methods.

Items You Cannot Put in a Rental Bin

Some materials might seem recyclable, but they require specialized disposal methods and can’t go into your rental bin:

• Hazardous materials such as paint, oil, gasoline, and cleaning chemicals
• Organic waste like food scraps or yard trimmings
• Batteries and certain electronics unless specifically accepted
• Mattresses and upholstered furniture
• Medical waste or any items with biological contamination

These items often fall under municipal hazardous waste programs or require pickup through certified waste disposal services. Never mix them with general or recyclable waste, as it can lead to serious safety and environmental hazards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recycling in Rental Bins

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make a mistake that could result in contamination fees or delays. Here’s how to keep your recycling guide on track:

• Never bag your recyclables, all items must be placed loose in the bin
• Wash out containers to remove any food residue
• Don’t assume all plastics are recyclable; check for the recycling symbol and number
• Avoid overfilling the bin or mixing in items that don’t belong

Another frequent issue is failing to check for mixed-material items. For instance, a children’s toy made of plastic and metal must be separated before placing the recyclable portion into the bin.

Why Bin Rentals Are Ideal for Household Recycling Projects

When you’re decluttering, renovating, or preparing for a move, you’ll quickly realize your curbside blue bin isn’t enough. That’s where a rental bin comes in:

• Perfect for larger volumes of household recycling
• Helps keep your property tidy during big projects
• No need to transport materials yourself to a recycling centre
• Simple drop-off and pickup options from Scarborough Disposal

Bin rentals also help with project efficiency. Instead of wasting time making multiple trips to the local recycling depot, you can focus on your cleanout while we handle the heavy lifting. Our bins are ideal for spring cleaning, estate clear-outs, and even post-event waste disposal, offering a more structured and reliable alternative to traditional garbage bags or blue bins.

Responsible Recycling with Scarborough Disposal

Using a rental bin can make waste disposal easier, but only if you know what belongs. At Scarborough Disposal, we provide a smarter way to handle household recycling. Our bins are available across Toronto, Scarborough, the Beaches, Leaside, Pickering, and Ajax, and we offer reliable, contact-free service every time.

We aim to make recycling practical and accessible, giving homeowners the tools they need to manage waste responsibly without needing to decipher every recycling symbol. With our guidance, your recycling guide won’t just be effective; it’ll be stress-free.

Reach out to Scarborough Disposal today at (647) 905-5145 or click here to get in touch online.