Learn all about recycling

Did you know that you don't have to remove the labels when you recycle tin cans? The cans are melted at such a high temperature that all traces of the paper disappear in the recycling process.

Recycling is now a part of everyday life. But do you find that, from time to time, you're not quite sure what goes into the recycle bin? If so, not to worry. To find out all there is to know, see the Recyc-Québec recycling guide (available in French only). In just a few minutes, you'll be a master at the art of efficient recycling.

Is plastic really so complicated?

You'll learn, for example, how to tell the difference between the various types of plastic, the kinds that are recyclable in Quebec, and those that aren't. Containers can be made of a variety of plastics. To find out what, for example, your yoghurt container is made of, simply turn it upside down and look for a triangle with arrows for sides and a number between 1 and 7 inside. In general, containers with the numbers 1, 2 and 5 are recyclable in Quebec.

What is it recycled into?

Ever wonder what recycled materials are recycled into? On its Web site, Recyc-Québec's guide, Que deviennent les matières que nous récupérons (available in French only), gives you all the details. Bet you didn't know that cat litter can be made out of recycled newspaper and that polar fleece jackets can be made out of recycled bottles.