Words (Core Vocabulary)
- recycling (blue bin) / organics/compost (green bin) / garbage (black/grey bin)
- collection day / pickup schedule / route
- bin / cart / tag / sticker / lid / liner
- contamination (wrong items in a bin)
- flatten (cardboard) / rinse (containers) / remove caps
- yard trimmings / leaves / branches
- bulky item pickup / appliance pickup
- drop-off depot / transfer station
- hazardous waste (paint, batteries, propane) / e-waste
- deposit/refund containers (bottle/can returns)
- overflow / extra bag fee
- illegal dumping / litter
Phrases (Check rules, ask, and report)
- **Which bin does this go in—**recycling or compost?
- When is our collection day after a holiday?
- Do you accept glass in the blue bin or only at depots?
- Is there a limit on extra bags and what’s the fee?
- How do I book a bulky item pickup?
- Where’s the nearest drop-off depot for electronics?
- Our bin was missed—can I report a missed pickup?
- I found illegal dumping near our alley—how do I report it?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Does plastic clamshell packaging go in recycling here, or do I take it to a depot?
- Our pickup was missed yesterday—could you reschedule or advise next steps?
- I’d like to book a mattress pickup—what dates are available and is there a fee?
- After a long weekend, does collection shift by one day?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Sorting & prep
- check the sorting guide
- rinse containers
- flatten cardboard
- tie branches
- keep lids closed
Scheduling & service
- confirm the collection day
- report a missed pickup
- schedule a bulky item collection
- drop off at a depot
- pay an extra bag fee
Rules & enforcement
- avoid contamination
- follow weight limits
- discourage illegal dumping
- separate hazardous waste
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Sorting rules vary by city; check your local guide (glass/plastics rules can differ).
- Many provinces have deposit-return for beverage containers—refunds are available at return depots.
- Holiday schedules often shift collection by one day.
- Keep bins accessible and clear of snow/ice in winter.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Rule check: “Which bin should this go in—recycling or compost?”
- Missed pickup: “Our recycling was missed—could you arrange a make-up collection?”
- Bulky item: “How do I book a sofa pickup, and what’s the fee?”