Recycling Without Chaos: The Subtle Art of a Clean Neighbourhood

Every week, it's the same story. You put out your recycling, you try to do things right, and yet, within a few hours, your bags are torn open and their contents scattered across the sidewalk. Some cans are missing. A raccoon trots away.

Welcome to the urban reality of many Montreal neighbourhoods. A seemingly trivial problem, but one that raises deeper questions. Who is responsible? The can collectors, the animals, residents, or the system itself? And above all, how can we change things without ignoring the social and environmental reality around us?

To understand this issue and explore practical solutions, we met with Les Bons Voisins, a company specializing in the management of recycling and garbage bins. Their mission: to help residents and building owners organize their collection efficiently to avoid overflowing bins, nuisances and cluttered streets.

Together, we identified common mistakes, best practices and innovative solutions that could transform your recycling routine… and your neighbourhood.

Bags are dead. Long live bins!

One of the first mistakes we make is to keep using plastic bags for recycling. It's an open invitation to scavengers, animals and the wind. One small tear, and everything ends up on the street. 

“Recycling bags are the worst option”, explains a representative of Les Bons Voisins. “Not only are they too easy to open, but once they're torn, their contents scatter everywhere.”

Yet the solution is accessible and within easy reach: choose rigid bins with lids. They already exist, they are often provided by the city, and yet too many people ignore them. A closed bin means less mess, fewer odours, less frustration. You still need to make sure it doesn't overflow, because a lid left ajar is a godsend for anyone looking for a can, and an overfilled bin becomes easy prey for the wind, which can scatter litter everywhere. So if you've already adopted the bin, make sure it doesn't overflow.But beyond avoiding flimsy plastic bags, it's also crucial to choose strong, durable bags if you use them inside your bin. Opting for quality bags, thick enough and with a good closure, can make all the difference. A sturdy bag reduces the risk of accidental tearing and limits the scattering of waste, especially on windy days

A reliable ally: the lock

A well-kept secret: less than 1% of people use bin locks. Yet these small devices prevent raccoons from opening lids and discourage collectors from rummaging.

“People don't realize how much a simple lock can change everything”, says one of the experts at Les Bons Voisins. “With a security strap or a clip, you can prevent 90% of unwanted openings.”

There are several types of solutions:

• Elastic straps that keep the lid closed.
• Security clips with a snap system.
• Lockable bins with a code or a light padlock for rental buildings.

Les Bons Voisins told us they will soon be offering these solutions on their website. An excellent way to adopt a simple but remarkably effective habit.

The right place, at the right time

Location and timing are just as crucial. Putting your bin out too early exposes it to scavengers and bad weather. Placing it in a poorly chosen spot multiplies the risk of it tipping over and getting in the way.

“Too often we see bins left just anywhere, sometimes right in the middle of the sidewalk or the street”, they explain. “Not only does it complicate collection, but it becomes an obstacle for pedestrians and cars.”

The ideal? Put it out a few hours before collection, near a wall or a driveway entrance, where it won't block the way or parking. After collection, bring it back in quickly to keep it from becoming a spot where litter piles up.

Cans: problem or opportunity?

Let's be realistic: deposit cans are a currency. Sooner or later, someone will come to collect them. Rather than seeing this as a problem, why not organize their collection intelligently?

“Separating your cans and putting them in a separate bag next to the bin is a win-win solution for everyone”, recommends a member of Les Bons Voisins. “Collectors take them without rummaging, and the recycling bags stay intact.”

One idea worth exploring could be setting up a shared collection point where everyone could drop off their cans in a designated spot. Neighbourhoods like Villeray, some suburbs or even a group of neighbours could easily host such an initiative, making recycling easier and encouraging a more environmentally friendly collective approach. This could reduce the mess and foster greater mutual respect.

Of course, nuisances must be avoided. Rinsing the cans, grouping them in a sturdy bag and dropping them off in the right place are habits that change everything.

Owners play a key role

In rental buildings, the situation is often more complicated. Bins overflow, tenants aren't always informed of the rules, and recycling management becomes chaotic.

Les Bons Voisins has a simple approach: educate, organize and automate. Provide enough bins, lock the lids, and above all educate new tenants with a clear guide to sorting and collection rules.

A few tips:

• Use explanatory signs near the bins as a reminder of sorting rules.
• Provide a printed or digital guide to new tenants as soon as they move in.
• Make sure each building has enough bins to prevent overflow.
• Encourage the use of locks or straps to secure bins against scavengers and animals.
• Set up a weekly reminder (email or group chat) to encourage proper use of the bins.
• If space allows, build a small shelter (such as a shed or enclosure) for the bins, to protect them from wind, bad weather and scavengers while keeping the surroundings cleaner and tidier.

“A well-informed tenant means a cleaner building. It's as simple as that.”

Hassle-free recycling: a question of will

Nobody likes to see their neighbourhood overrun with garbage. Nobody wants to walk on a sidewalk strewn with scattered bits of plastic. But the responsibility is collective.

“If everyone made a few small efforts – using closed bins, locking lids, putting bins out at the right time – we would see a huge difference.”

What's stopping us from adopting these simple solutions? A closed bin, a good location, cans set aside, a minimum of awareness. With a few adjustments, we can turn a nuisance into a smooth, logical and effective habit.

Rather than simply grumbling when we see a torn bag, why not take a moment to reflect on our own habits? The solution is right in front of us, but it's often information that is lacking. That's why it's essential to share it and to encourage our municipalities to distribute practical guides, brochures and other useful resources. As brokers, we understand the importance of a well-informed neighbourhood life. Thank you to Les Bons Voisins for their valuable help. Now all that's left is to take action!