Spring Cleaning in Markham: Why Proper Recycling Matters
Spring is just around the corner in Markham, and many of us are getting ready to open the windows, tidy our spaces, and start the season fresh. This annual ritual often involves recycling. When we recycle items instead of throwing them away, we help save natural resources, cut down on pollution, and keep our community cleaner and healthier. Whether you’re new to Markham or simply looking for better habits at home, recycling properly is a small step that can make a big difference. Read on for information on how to recycle in Markham the right way and discover even more items you can now recycle as of January 2026!
What You Can Recycle in Markham (some of these might surprise you!)
Did you know that starting in January 2026, Markham’s Blue Box Program will be funded and operated by Circular Materials? Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that runs recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers. What does this mean for you? Service will stay exactly the same, but with the added benefit of more items you can recycle in your Blue Box. City of Markham will still manage green bin organics, clear bag garbage, bulky items, and yard waste material.
If you need to purchase NEW or Replacement Blue Boxes contact Miller Waste rather than City of Markham:
Miller Waste
1-855-752-3762
area10@millerwaste.ca
Here is a list of all the *NEW as of 2026* items you can place into your handy dandy blue boxes:
- Black plastic containers
- Coffee cups
- Frozen juice containers
- Ice cream tubs
- Deodorant and toothpaste tubes
- *Snack Wrappers (Really?)
- *Styrofoam (Wow!)
At a Glance: Items You Can Recycle in Your Blue Box
√ Cardboard Boxes: Pizza boxes, direct mail boxes, moving boxes, shoe boxes.
√ Boxboard: Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, egg cartons, rolls from toilet paper and paper towel.
√ Paper Laminate Packaging: Pet food bags, food service paper bags, and plates.
√ Paper Laminate Containers: Spiral cans, cookie dough package, ice cream containers, and hot and cold beverage cups.
√ Cartons: Beverage cartons, juice and milk cartons, coffee creamers, and sugar cartons, soup and sauce cartons.
√ Paper: Any colour, including flour bags, prescription bags, paper produce bags. Notepads, white or coloured loose paper, file folders, other printed materials. Community newspapers, flyers, brochures and magazines. Greeting cards and envelopes, gift boxes.
- For information on how to prepare items for recycling (i.e. rinsing, what to do with lids etc.) visit Circular Materials' information page.
- Don't want to scroll through pages of information but want to look up a specific item's proper recycling process quickly? Check out Markham's What Goes Where Tool.
At a Glance: Blue Box Recycling Mistakes: What is NOT accepted!
- Books
- Toys
- Diapers
- Pots and Pans
- Hazardous Materials
- Batteries
FYI - These materials must be dropped off at one of Markham’s Recycling Depots and Drop off Centres:
- Batteries — alkaline only. Lithium-ion batteries go to York Region’s Hazardous Waste Depot.
- Electronics *NEW
- Ink Cartridges
- Scrap Metal
Check out further guidelines here: Electronics & Batteries | City of Markham
Don't Forget! You Can Also Recycle Your Textiles
Drop off ALL your unwanted textiles at any City of Markham textile donation bin. There are over 160 public access locations and 63 multi-residential properties to choose from. Textiles include everything from clothing, to curtains, rugs, shoes, jewelry, winter gear more. Check out the full list of acceptable items here: Textiles | City of Markham
For information on how to properly dispose of your bulky items or appliances, the City of Markham’s Recycling and Garbage page will be your best friend: Recycling & Garbage | City of Markham
Check out this video from City of Markham for more tips and information on how to recycle properly using your blue boxes.
Hopefully now you have a handle on some recycling basics to get you through this season!
While we're on the subject, feel free to check out some of our related past blogs and browse the Earth Month reading list below for more recycling inspiration. Happy spring cleaning and recycling from all of us at MPL!
Sow and Grow Summer Veggies | Markham Public Library
Invest In Our Planet | Markham Public Library
Seeds to Sow in Spring | Markham Public Library
The Importance of Wetlands | Markham Public Library
5 Trails to Explore Near Markham Public Libraries | Markham Public Library
The official theme for Earth Day and Earth Month 2026 is "Our Power, Our Planet", announced by EARTHDAY.ORG. This theme emphasizes reclaiming collective voice, rights, and influence to drive climate action, restore environmental protections, and foster a clean, green economy. Explore these curated titles to learn more on how you can help to protect our big, beautiful planet.
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