Officials in Saskatoon say there are many things they do not want to see in new blue bins for recycling.

On Monday, the city released a list of items not allowed. The list was broken down into two sections, one covering paper items that were not acceptable and the other listing types of containers that were not acceptable:

Paper items not allowed:

• Waxed, plasticized or food contaminated paper, cardboard, cups or paper plates.
• Soiled tissues, napkins and paper towels.
• Confetti shredded paper.
• Heavily dyed or coloured construction paper.
• Styrofoam or other foam packing materials.

Under the container section, the following items are not allowed:

• Contaminated plastic food or product wrap.
• Hazardous chemical containers (e.g. motor oil containers).
• Auto parts, batteries.
• Any scrap metals other than household tin and aluminum cans.
• Propane tanks, gasoline or any type of fuel containers.
• Wire or plastic clothes hangers.
• Clear plastic clam shell containers without the recycling arrows and number 1 through 7.
• Plastic toys or Tupperware.
• Plastic pipe.
• Outdoor lawn furniture.

According to the city, someone will be monitoring what is placed in a cart and any unacceptable items that are found will be removed and left behind on the curb. The city many also simply reject the cart, entirely, if it contains unacceptable materials.

Residents were also being asked to remove bottle caps and rinse items that they recycle.

Extend life of landfill

Officials said the recycling program will extend the life of Saskatoon's landfill by eight years.

While the first blue carts will be delivered to homes beginning Jan. 2, it will take about six months before the program is fully up and running.

Brenda Wallace, from the environmental services department, said about 14,000 tonnes of household waste is expected to be collected for recycling.

"Anytime we can save airspace and have material going elsewhere, that is a real benefit to taxpayers," Wallace said Monday during a media presentation outlining details of the recycling program. "It means they don't need to find another location for a landfill."

Among the main items expected to be collected are paper, cardboard, plastic containers and metal food and beverage containers.

Wallace noted one feature of Saskatoon's program is that all items, that are OK for recycling, can go in the same container.

"It might be surprising to [residents] how easy it is to simply throw everything in loose," Wallace said. "You don't need to separate windows from envelopes or labels from cans anymore. Recycling has come a long way."

About 66,000 homeowners will have the service, which will charge $4.66 per month.