Gold Box Contest

Niagara residents, it’s your time to shine! Show us how you recycle right for a chance to win a gold recycling box.

About the Gold Box Contest

This year’s Gold Box contest has officially ended—thank you to everyone who participated and shared their submissions!

Are you Niagara Region’s next Gold Star Recycler? Show off your recycling skills for your chance to win a gold recycling box!

From October 21 to November 22, 2024, Niagara Region residents can participate by submitting photos of their recycling bins.

Residents who meet the qualifying criteria will be entered into a random draw. 10 lucky winners will receive a gold recycling box along with a Circular Materials branded hat and t-shirt.

See below for more details and to submit your photos.

How to participate

Follow the steps below to enter the contest for a chance to win a gold recycling box.

Sort your recycling

Ensure only acceptable materials are in your blue and grey boxes.

Separate your materials into the correct bin. Paper and cardboard should be placed in your grey box, and containers placed in your blue box.

Ensure you are recycle ready

Flatten and bundle: All cardboard should be flattened and bundled. Excess cardboard should be flattened and tied, not exceeding 91 cm in any dimension.

Keep it loose: Place your recyclables loose in the bin.

Ensure containers are empty: Keep materials clean, dry, and loose in your blue and grey boxes.

Take photos of your recycling boxes

Take clear and accurate photos of your recycling boxes and make sure your photos meet the qualifying criteria.

Submit your photos

Upload and submit your photos from October 21 to November 22, 2024 using the link below.

You can submit a maximum of 3 photos in one submission.

Submit your photos here

Check your email for results

Winners will be contacted via email by November 29, 2024.

Qualifying criteria

To qualify for the Gold Box contest, ensure your recycling boxes meet the following criteria.

  • Only acceptable materials in the blue and grey boxes.
  • Materials are properly sorted by paper/cardboard and containers.
  • Cardboard is flattened and bundled.
    • Excess cardboard should be flattened and tied using twine or packing tape in bundles no larger than 91 cm (three feet) x 91 cm (three feet) x 91 cm (three feet). Place bundled cardboard next to the grey box.
  • Keep materials loose in the bin. Do not place recyclables in plastic bags.
  • Materials are placed clean, dry, and loose in the recycling bin.
Submit your photos here

How to be a Gold Star recycler

Below are examples of how you can recycle right and become a Gold Star recycler.

Sort materials

Separate your materials into the correct recycling box. If you are unsure about where an item goes, check Niagara Region’s sorting tool.

Flatten boxes

Flatten and bundle your cardboard. Excess cardboard must be flattened and tied using twine or packing tape in bundles no larger than 91 cm (three feet) x 91 cm (three feet) x 91 cm (three feet). Place bundled cardboard next to the Grey Box.

Rinse containers

Ensure materials are clean, dry, and loose when placing in recycling boxes.

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