FR

ON

Hamilton

Learn more about your recycling program.

Questions?

As of April 1, 2025, please contact GFL for any recycling collection inquiries. They can be contacted for:

They can be contacted for:

  • Replacement recycling bins.
  • Missed collections.
  • Other recycling questions.

Recycling resources

Learn more about recycling collection in Hamilton.

Blue boxes and recycling are picked up every week. Your recycling must be placed at the curb in front of your property between 7 pm on the evening before and 7 am on the morning of your scheduled collection day. Please see below the recycling collection schedules for each day of the week

What’s accepted

Metal Containers

Plastics Containers

Paper

Cardboard

Glass

Be recycle ready

  • Give containers a quick rinse before putting in your recycling.
  • Place materials clean, dry and loose in your recycling.
  • Flatten and bundle cardboard to save space.
  • Lids and labels can remain on containers
  • Have your recycling to the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.
  • Hazardous materials, like batteries and sharps, do not belong in your recycling. Take them to a designated drop off location for safe handling.

What’s not accepted

Books

Toys

Diapers

Pot and Pans

Hazardous Materials

Batteries

Did you receive an oops sticker?

Did you notice a yellow oops sticker on your recycling? This means your recycling had one of the following challenges: 

  • Oversized cardboard was placed in your recycling.
  • Unaccepted items were included in your recycling. 
  • Harmful materials were found in your recycling.  
  • Incorrect container type was used for recycling.
  • Materials were not clean, dry, and empty.
  • Recyclables were not properly sorted.

How to be recycle ready

Follow these simple tips to ensure your materials are ready for collection and recycling:

  • Flatten and bundle your cardboard to save space in your recycling.
  • Check what’s accepted for recycling by reviewing the list of accepted materials. 
  • Keep hazardous items out of recycling – check with your community for safe disposal methods.
  • Use the correct recycling container type.
  • Place materials clean, dry, and empty in your recycling.
  • Separate paper and cardboard from containers and place them in the appropriate bins.

Questions?

For questions about oops stickers, contact your recycling contractor.

Find out more about Ontario's recycling program