QuinteWasteSolutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn’t my Blue Box get picked up?

The answer most likely has something to do with the materials in the box not being sorted properly. While some parts of Ontario run recycling programs that allow residents to throw all the materials in together, these programs also cost a lot more because of the expense of extra sorting at the plant. In our program, we rely on residents to do a significant part of the sorting at home. Because our residents do such a fine job, our recycling program is among the most efficient anywhere in Canada – and the level of participation is unequalled! In addition to this, the “Capture Rate” (that’s the percentage of each material that gets recycled as opposed to going in the garbage) is also one of the highest.

For a complete list of what’s recyclable and what isn’t and how to set out your Blue Box, click here.

The bottom of plastic automotive oil containers has a recyclable symbol. Why does the recycling truck driver always leave them in my blue box?

While the plastic that oil containers are made of is recyclable (hence the symbol), the problem is that the oil in the container gets absorbed right into the plastic, contaminating the plastic for recycling purposes. Companies that purchase this high density polyethylene plastic (code 2) quite simply do not want to accept loads of plastic that contain empty oil containers.

Are light bulbs and fluorescent tubes recyclable?

Fluorescent tubes are recyclable through our Hazardous Waste Collection Program. Click here to see our Collection Schedule and list of acceptable items. Regular incandescent bulbs are not recyclable and should go in the garbage.

Where can I get a new or replacement Blue Box?

Blue boxes are usually available from your local municipal office. While there is normally a fee of about $6.50, policies may vary from one municipality to the next. You can also exchange your broken blue box at any of the following locations.

• Quinte Waste Solutions, 270 West St., Trenton
• Village Green, 535 Ashley St. Foxboro
• Prince Edward County Municipal Office, 332 Main St.
• Rossmore Stop, Prince Edward County, 5529 Hwy 62
• Marmora & Lake Municipal Office,12 Bursthall St.
• Tyendinaga Municipal Office, 859 Melrose Rd.
• Tweed Municipal Office, 255 Metcalfe St.
• Centre Hastings Municipal Office, 7 Furnace St. Madoc
• Frankford Municipal Office, Trent St.
• Belleville Home Hardware Building Centre, Dundas St. E
• Stirling-Rawdon Township Office, 14 Demorest Rd.
• Madoc Township Office *Sell Only, 15651 Hwy 62 N
• Waller Home Hardware on Bridge St. East Belleville
• Quinte West Home Hardware, Hwy 2 West

Is wood recyclable?

Yes and no! Wood products are not recyclable in the Blue Box. There is however, a local wood recycler. Try calling Scaletta Group, just north of Belleville at 613-962-7107, or in the Trenton area, call Waste Management Transfer Station at 613-394-1464.

Are paint cans recyclable?

Empty paint cans that have 1/4″ of dry paint or less in the bottom can be placed in your Blue Box with the lids off. If the paint cans have paint in them, bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot. For a complete listing of our Household Hazardous Waste events for this year, click here.

Where can I buy a composter?

Call Quinte Waste Solutions at 613-394-6266 to find out where to get a composter.