As part of the Sort It program, you can use clear kitchen catcher type bags if they are placed inside a clear regular size garbage bag (66 cm x 82.5 cm or 26 inches x 32.5 inches). Two small opaque bags of any colour (such as grocery bags) can be used as privacy bags and placed inside a clear garbage bag.
Local retailers throughout the central region offer transparent blue recycling bags and clear garbage bags.
Size and weight requirements: Garbage and recycling bags must be regular size: 66 cm x 82.5 cm (26 inches x 32.5 inches). When filled, each bag must not weigh more than 22 kg (50 lbs).
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.