FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Sort It Central helps us extend the life of the regional landfill at Norris Arm by reducing the amount of waste we put into it. It also helps us protect the environment by recycling what can be turned into something new, and disposing safely of hazardous waste.

When everyone does their part to reduce, reuse and recycle, we generate less garbage—and that ultimately means lower operating costs for managing waste. And recycled material generates revenue that comes back to the region, helping offset waste management costs in the region. Also, by reclaiming material that can be used again, we reduce the need to harvest new raw materials and manufacture new products, which in turn conserves natural resources, saves energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The blue bags used for recycling are not recyclable, so once emptied, they must be disposed of in the landfill. Sometimes, material placed in blue bags is too contaminated to be recycled (for example, cardboard that is soaked with oil) and must be disposed of in the landfill.

Recyclables and garbage are collected weekly. Confirm your Collection Schedule here, or contact your municipality or Local Service District Committee for collection routes and schedules. Public Notices will be issued on this website when holidays or bad weather interfere with the regular collection, and will be announced on local radio.

CNWM requires you to use clear bags for garbage disposal to help ensure recyclables and hazardous materials are not thrown into the landfill. Clear bags also improve safety for our collectors by allowing them to see contents in the bag such as broken glass, needles and other sharp items that can cause injuries.

Everyone needs some privacy. Two small opaque bags of any colour (such as grocery bags) can be placed inside your clear garbage bag each week to accommodate your privacy needs. Additional waste must be in a clear bag. Clear bags may also be placed in garbage cans or boxes curbside for additional privacy and to secure waste from scavenging and animals—check with your local municipality or Local Service District Committee for regulations in your community.

CNWM now uses special “split stream” trucks that are divided into two components—one side for garbage and the other for recycling. From the side, it can look like collectors are mixing garbage and recyclables but the blue and clear bags are being placed in different compartments.