What Goes In?
Get a better idea of the what the Orange Drop Program accepts
Corrosives |
Flammables |
Toxics |
Explosives |
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Special Waste: |
Automotive | Household | Mercury Devices |
| Garden | Personal Care | Containers | |
Corrosives
What are they?
| Corrosives | |||
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| Toxic and Corrosive | |
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| Flammable, Corrosive and Toxic |
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How can I recognize it?
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They contain chemicals that can destroy living tissue on contact. The main hazards to people include damage to the eyes, the skin, and the tissue under the skin; inhalation or ingestion of a corrosive substance can damage the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Exposure can result in chemical burn.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Many retail outlets
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Keep tightly sealed in a cool area (always avoid sources of heat and flame) and follow any storage directions on the label. Ventilate work areas, storage spaces and vehicles when transporting corrosive chemicals. Don’t mix chemicals. Transport in the trunk of a vehicle if possible, but don’t store them there.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
These products can’t be recycled, so the best way to prevent leftovers is to buy only what you need and use it up entirely, or give it to a friend or neighbour.
If you do take it to a recycling facility, it will be neutralized and sent for safe disposal.
Flammables
What are they?
| Flammable |
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| Flammable and Toxic | |||
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Flammable, Corrosive and Toxic
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How can I recognize it?
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They can cause volatile reactions to water or air and are known to burn easily. These products are capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of ignition source. Flammable liquids have a flashpoint below 37.8°C. Some can also destroy living tissue on contact.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Full or partially full aerosol containers and pressurized containers may explode if crushed or incinerated and should be handled with care when storing or transporting to a municipal recycling facility.
Keep tightly sealed in a cool area (always avoid sources of heat and flame) and follow any storage directions on the label. Ventilate work and storage areas. Don’t mix solvents, and don’t fill containers full – solvents need room to expand. Transport in the trunk of a vehicle, if possible, but don’t store them there.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
These products can’t be recycled so they are blended for use as fuel for industrial applications.
Toxics
What are they?
| Toxic | |||
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| Flammable and Toxic | |||
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| Toxic and Corrosive | |
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| Flammable, Corrosive and Toxic |
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How can I recognize it?
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They can poison or damage living organisms. Products contain substances that may cause lethality to the entire body, lethality to specific organs, major/minor damage, or cause cancer. Environmental hazards include degradability, bioaccumulation and aquatic toxicity.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
What happens to it after I make the drop?
These products can’t be recycled, so the best way to prevent leftovers is to buy only what you need and use it up entirely, or give it to a friend or neighbour.
If you do take it to a recycling facility, it will be neutralized and sent for safe disposal.
Explosives
What are they?
| Aerosol containers including: | Pressurized containers: | |
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How can I recognize it?
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
An explosive can react violently when mixed with other agents, or when placed under heat or pressure. They are capable of causing an explosion or releasing dangerous or poisonous fumes when exposed to air, water, heat, pressure or other chemicals.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Full or partially full aerosol containers and pressurized containers may explode if crushed or incinerated and should be handled with care when storing or transporting to a municipal recycling facility. Products labeled with this symbol should be kept away from heat sources and should never be punctured.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The residual contents are safely removed and blended for fuel. The metal is recycled.
Special Waste - Automotive
What are they?
Antifreeze:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They can contain flammable and toxic ingredients.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Some local automotive service centres or garages
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Collect and store spent antifreeze in sealed, labeled, plastic or metal container, away from heat sources, children and pets. Handle antifreeze in an area that's well ventilated, clean up spills with absorbent material, such as kitty litter.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
It's recycled into new anti-freeze.
What are they?
Oil Filters:
Spin-on or element style oil filters used in hydraulic, transmission or internal combustion engine applications, e.g.:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They contain amounts of used oil and must be properly handled – not thrown in the trash to avoid leaching of used oil into the groundwater.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Automotive collection sites – such as participating Jiffy Lube, Pro Oil Change and Canadian Tire – in your community
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Place used oil filters in a sealed bag and take to a recycling facility or automotive collection site.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
Residual oil is extracted and refined for re-use. The metal is crushed and recycled.
Special Waste - Garden
What are they?
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They are one of the causes of water pollution. Some pesticides are persistent organic pollutants and contribute to soil contamination. Pesticides may cause acute and delayed health effects in those who are exposed.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
All of these products and their containers require proper storage, handling and disposal.
Handle with care and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The best way to prevent leftovers is to buy only what you need and use it up entirely, or give it to a friend or neighbour.
These products can’t be recycled so they are blended for use as fuel, or neutralized and sent for safe disposal.
What are they?
Fertilizer:
Supplements and micro-nutrients such as:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They contain NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium,) which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Handle with care and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The best way to prevent leftovers is to buy only what you need and use it up entirely, or give it to a friend or neighbour.
If you do take it to a recycling facility, it blended with compost where possible. Where this is not possible, it will be blended for use as fuel or neutralized and sent for safe disposal.
Special Waste - Household
What are they?
Paints and Coatings
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They can contaminate soil and groundwater if not properly managed. Chemicals used in the production of oil-based paint can pose serious threats to human health and the natural environment if handled or disposed of improperly. In addition, paint made before 1978 can contain lead, and paint made before 1991 can contain mercury.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Retail collection sites, including participating Lowe’s, Home Depot and RONA stores in your community
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Store any leftovers properly with a secured lid (and out of reach of animals and children. Oil based paints and stains are flammable – store away from sources of sparks or heat.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
Paint is recycled into new paint. Hardened paint is sent for safe disposal. Metal and plastic cans are recycled.
What are they?
Batteries:
All chemistries, including:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They are included to reduce soil contamination and water pollution, which can occur if these products are disposed of due to the presence of heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Batteries also contain valuable commodities that can be effectively recycled reducing demand for virgin metals.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Hundreds of retailers also act as “Drop Zones”
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Store in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. When storing rechargeable batteries, keep in a vented, non-metal container. Rechargeable batteries should be placed individually in plastic bags before being stored together with other rechargeable batteries.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
All batteries are sorted by type: alkaline, lithium etc. and then recycled for their respective elements, i.e., metal, carbon, manganese etc.
Special Waste - Personal Care
What are they?
- Sharps and syringes
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They are a biohazard after use.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Participating Orange Drop pharmacy in your community
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
When you visit a participating pharmacy, you can pick up an Orange Drop sharps disposal container made of puncture resistant, hard-shell plastic and labeled as a “biohazard.” Collect your used sharps in the container and then return it to your pharmacy, where you’ll get a replacement empty container.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
They are safely incinerated in accordance with regulatory requirements.
What are they?
Pharmaceuticals:
Prescription medications for humans and pets, including:
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Non-prescription/Over-The-Counter Medications for humans and pets limited to:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
- They are included to reduce soil contamination and water pollution which can occur if these products are disposed of in landfill or by flushing into sewers
- Pharmaceuticals in waterways pose a hazard to human and animal health e.g. hormones, antibiotics
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Participating Orange Drop pharmacy in your community
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Store in a secure, dry place out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
They are safely incinerated in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Special Waste - Mercury Devices
What are they?
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
- They contain Mercury, which is neurotoxic, bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Handle with care. Store and transport mercury containing devices carefully to avoid release of toxic mercury through breakage.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
Mercury contents are safely extracted and recycled. Metal casings are recycled.
What are they?
Mercury Switches:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Many switches contain Mercury, which is neurotoxic, bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Handle with care. Store and transport mercury containing devices carefully to avoid release of toxic mercury through breakage.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
Mercury contents are safely extracted and recycled. Metal casings are recycled.
What are they?
Fluorescents:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Fluorescents contain Mercury, which is neurotoxic, bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Bulbs and tubes can be taken to most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Municipal Recycling Facility
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain a small amount of mercury (about enough to fit on the tip of a ball point pen). Use disposable rubber gloves when handling broken bulbs and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel and open the windows to ventilate.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
In addition to extracting and recycling the mercury, the glass from fluorescent bulbs and tubes is crushed and recycled. The metal base is recycled.
What are they?
Thermostats:
- Products that use a mercury switch to sense and control room temperature through communication with
- heating
- ventilation
- conditioning equipment
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Thermostats contain Mercury, which is neurotoxic, bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment./p>
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Handle with care. Store and transport mercury containing devices carefully to avoid release of toxic mercury through breakage.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
Mercury contents are safely extracted and recycled. Metals are recycled.
Special Waste - Containers
What are they?
Aerosols:
- Used to dispense a wide variety of consumer products such as
- paint
- household personal care
- food products
Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Aerosols contain flammable ingredients and can explode when put under pressure. Also, some aerosol cans, such as whipped-cream containers, use nitrous oxide, which can be harmful if inhaled in sufficient quantity.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
The product and propellant are calibrated measured so that both are exhausted at the same time during usage. Full or partially full aerosol containers containing propellant may explode if crushed or incinerated and should be handled with care when storing or transporting to an Orange Drop zone.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The residual contents can’t be recycled so they are safely removed and blended for fuel. The metal is recycled.
What are they?
Oil Containers:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Oil containers still contain oil residue which can contaminate our waterways and soil if improperly disposed of.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- Automotive collection sites – such as a participating Jiffy Lube, Pro Oil Change and Canadian Tire outlet – in your community
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Do not mix oil residues, hydraulic fluids etc. with any other liquids.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The containers are shredded, cleaned and recycled. Residual oil is recovered and recycled.
What are they?
Pressurized containers:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
Pressurized containers are included because they can combust, explode or leak when they are exposed to varying temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. or if a chemical reaction occurs due to mixing of contenets.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
- For refillable containers, many retailers accept your empty pressurized gas cylinder when you purchase a full cylinder
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Store outside in an area where they are least likely to suffer from physical damage or tampering. When transporting pressurized containers secure them in an upright position on a flat surface.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The contents are safely removed and repackaged for sale, where possible. Metal cylinders and valves are recycled.
What are they?
Fire extinguishers:
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Why are they part of the Orange Drop Program?
They are included because pressurized containers can explode if mishandled or if crushed. Corrosive ingredients such as calcium chloride and mono ammonium can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
Where do I go to make the drop?
- Most municipal transfer stations and depots
Do I need to take storage or transport precautions?
Contents are under pressure and may explode if combined with other materials. When transporting pressurized containers secure them in an upright position on a flat surface.
What happens to it after I make the drop?
The contents are safely removed and the metal is recycled.
