Living in Burnaby means being part of a city that actively supports environmental responsibility and sustainable living. With growing awareness about climate change and pollution, more Burnaby residents are stepping up to reduce waste and recycle smarter. But while we all know recycling is “good,” it helps to have practical, local advice to make it part of our daily routines.
This guide is designed to help Burnaby households improve their recycling habits, reduce waste, and save energy—one item at a time.
Why Recycling Matters in Burnaby
The average Canadian household throws away thousands of kilograms of waste annually, much of which could be recycled or composted. Proper recycling doesn’t just keep garbage out of landfills—it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves natural resources, and cuts down on energy used to produce new products.
In Burnaby, reducing burnaby waste is especially important because of the city’s commitment to sustainability and regional waste management goals. The better we sort and recycle at home, the easier it is for the city to process materials efficiently and responsibly.
Tip #1: Know What Goes Where
The biggest hurdle to effective recycling is confusion about what goes in the blue bin, the green bin, and the garbage.
Here’s a simplified breakdown for Burnaby:
- Blue Bin – Recyclables: Paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic containers (marked #1–#7), glass jars (non-refundable)
- Green Bin – Organics: Food scraps, yard waste, soiled paper (napkins, pizza boxes)
- Garbage – Landfill: Styrofoam, non-recyclable plastics, diapers, broken ceramics, and non-compostable food packaging
When in doubt, it’s always better to check with the City of Burnaby’s waste management app or recycling directory before tossing.
Tip #2: Clean Before You Recycle
A little rinse goes a long way. Dirty containers (like a peanut butter jar with leftovers inside) can spoil entire batches of recyclables. These contaminated items often end up in landfills instead of being reused.
So before you toss it in the blue bin:
- Empty all liquids
- Rinse food residue from containers
- Flatten boxes to save space
Cleaner recycling means more materials get reused and fewer resources are wasted trying to sort things out at recycling facilities.
Tip #3: Get to Know Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs
Burnaby participates in multiple EPR programs, which are designed to make manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life of their products. This means you can drop off items that don’t belong in curbside bins—like batteries, electronics, light bulbs, or paint—at designated collection points.
Examples include:
- Return-It depots for beverage containers
- LightRecycle for bulbs and fixtures
- Call2Recycle for batteries
These items are processed separately, so they don’t contaminate your home recycling or garbage.
Tip #4: Compost More Than Just Food
The City of Burnaby’s green bin program is surprisingly flexible when it comes to organic waste. In addition to food scraps, you can also compost:
- Coffee filters and tea bags
- Paper napkins and paper towels
- Pizza boxes (soiled or greasy)
- Yard trimmings and small branches
Just make sure you’re using compostable bags (not plastic) when lining your green bin. The more we compost, the less organic waste ends up creating methane in landfills.
Tip #5: Reuse Before You Recycle
Recycling is great, but reusing is even better. If something still works or can be repurposed, don’t rush to toss it.
Ideas for reuse:
- Donate old clothes and furniture to local charities
- Use glass jars for storage or craft projects
- Turn worn-out towels into cleaning rags
- Repurpose delivery boxes for moving or organizing
Reusing helps reduce the demand for new products, which means fewer emissions, less energy use, and less burnaby waste overall.
Tip #6: Use Waste Bins for Big Projects
If you’re planning a renovation, moving, or doing a major cleanout, your regular garbage and recycling bins won’t be enough. Renting a disposal bin can help you properly sort and discard large volumes of waste without overwhelming your curbside collection.
Disposal bins are available in various sizes and can be specifically used for:
- Construction debris
- Yard waste
- Scrap metal
- Drywall
- Mixed household junk
Some services even offer recycling-friendly bins that separate recoverable materials from true waste, helping you stay eco-friendly even during big projects.
Tip #7: Avoid Wish-Cycling
Wish-cycling is when you toss an item into the recycling bin hoping it can be recycled—even if you’re not sure. This well-intentioned habit can do more harm than good.
Common wish-cycled items include:
- Plastic bags and wrappers
- Greasy food containers
- Broken glass or ceramics
- Toys and clothing
- Coffee cups (many are lined with plastic)
Stick to items you know are accepted. If you’re unsure, use the Burnaby Recycles app or the online waste wizard tool to check.
Tip #8: Buy With Recycling in Mind
You can reduce waste before you even bring it home by choosing products with less packaging or packaging that’s easier to recycle.
Tips for smart shopping:
- Buy in bulk to reduce plastic use
- Choose items in paper or glass containers
- Avoid individually wrapped snacks
- Support brands that use recycled or recyclable materials
Conscious consumption is one of the most effective long-term ways to shrink your burnaby waste footprint.
Tip #9: Involve the Whole Household
Recycling is a team effort. Make sure everyone in your home knows what goes where and why it matters. Use labeled bins, create simple sorting charts for kids, and turn recycling into a habit rather than a chore.
Even small steps—like keeping a container for refundable bottles and cans in the kitchen—can make a difference when done consistently.
Tip #10: Stay Updated with Local Waste Programs
Burnaby’s recycling programs continue to evolve. Whether it’s new accepted materials, bin schedule changes, or seasonal clean-up events, staying in the loop ensures you’re doing your part effectively.
Follow the City of Burnaby on social media, check your collection calendar, and sign up for waste alerts to stay informed.
Final Thoughts
Reducing burnaby waste and recycling effectively is more than just sorting your trash—it’s a lifestyle shift. By taking small, informed actions every day, you not only contribute to a cleaner Burnaby but also help build a more sustainable future.
Start with one tip from this list, build the habit, and before long, you’ll find yourself recycling with confidence, reducing waste without effort, and saving energy along the way.
