Toronto Real Estate with the Julie Kinnear Team

We, citizens of Toronto are lucky to have many options for safe recycling. However, there are some potentionally dangerous materials whose disposal is less easy and in some cases even requires professional assistance. Find out how to go about recycling less common items in Toronto by reading the rest of the entry - we've done all the research for you. So please, don't forget to add "recycle more" on to your new years resolutions list!

Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazardous insulation material that needs extra care. Be sure to use a facemask and gloves when handling. Put it in secured double plastic bags to prevent fibres from flying. For more information and asbestos removal services contact Blazetech, who are the official contractors in Toronto.

Building material
The first thing to do here is to separate material that might be sorted to other, more common categories - glass, plastic, wood, metal. You also have the option to sell coherent and reusable material (bricks, wood) at a salvage yard. For more information visit www.torontodisposal.com

Christmas tree
If you haven't disposed it already, remove all ornaments and place it outside with the regular garbage.

Electronics
CRT monitors, televisions and other e-waste can be partially reused when recycled. Your best bet is to contact a company that will buy out these materials and simultaneously wipe all personal data from the devices such as hard drives from old computers. Call Toronto Recycling Inc. at 416-663-0333 for more details.

Cell Phones
Cell phones age quite quickly and with people renew them usually every two years thanks to popular subscriptions. Consider donating it to someone in your family (especially kids), or people without a home. They'll be happy to use them! If your old cellphone is out of order or cannot be used, take it with you next time to the Toronto Zoo and drop it off at the front entrance. Look for the the ECO-CELL program logo. If you don't feel like visiting, you can mail them in as well to the following address:

Toronto Zoo - Cell Phone Recycling Program
C/O Curator of Conservation Programs
361A Old Finch Avenue Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5K7

Bateries & Car Batteries
All bateries contain hazardous material, so please pay attention and recycle them properly. Be sure to use rechargable batteries as they're much more friendly towards the environment due to the possibility of lasting several hundred cycles instead of just one. For battery recycling in Toronto, contact The Battery Broker | Battery Drop-Off Directions

Vehicles
Did you know that old cars, buses or other vehicles can be recycled up to 80%? If it isn't repairable anymore, call Carcone at their toll free number 1-800-263-2022 and schedule a pickup. Don't forget that you'll need documents of car ownership. If you know about an abandoned car, alert the local council first.

Motor Oil, Gasoline, Turpentine
If you have more than 10 litres, call Toxic Taxi at 416-392-4330 and schedule a pickup.

Fluorescent Tubes & Compact Lightbulbs
No matter how much energy you save by using them, these lighbulbs contain dangerous materials such as mercury and poisonous heavy metal. Take them to a Toronto Solid Waste Depot, call 416-338-2010 to find out where is the nearest.

Metal & Appliances
Old refridgerators, washing machines, stoves, etc. are picked up by Toronto City's Solid Waste Management program. You have to call the customer service at 416-338-2010 and schedule a pickup.

Furniture
Consider selling it or taking reusable parts (such as the lock) to an architectural salvage yard. Otherwise, unused furniture may be placed outside one item at the time with the regular garbage collection and it will be picked up as usual.

Medical Supplies & Pills
Old medication and used medical supplies fall under the category of Household Hazardous Waste. They have to be disposed in a securely sealed box and label it. Call the HHW Hotline for more information at 416-392-4330.

Do you have some more suggestions or updated information? Please send us an e-mail and refer to this post.