Recycling Guide: Can Your Shampoo Bottle and Maple Syrup Can Be Recycled?

On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, La Tribune released a new video feature addressing common recycling confusion in Quebec households, specifically examining what items truly belong in the recycling bin. The segment, hosted by Mòrag Bélisle, tackled everyday uncertainties—from shampoo bottles to maple syrup cans—aiming to clarify proper sorting practices ahead of heightened environmental awareness.

The video begins with a direct question many residents face: whether an empty shampoo bottle should go in the recycling bin. According to Recyc-Québec guidelines highlighted in the segment, most plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles are recyclable when properly prepared. Which means emptying the contents, rinsing the container thoroughly and removing any pumps or sprayers, which often contain mixed materials that recycling facilities cannot process.

Viewers are reminded to check the recycling symbol on the bottle’s base. Bottles marked with #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) plastics are widely accepted in curbside recycling programs across Quebec. If uncertainty remains about local acceptance, the video advises residents to consult their municipal recycling center or participate in brand take-back initiatives such as those offered through TerraCycle.

The discussion extends beyond personal care products to include kitchen staples like maple syrup containers. The video confirms that clean, empty glass or plastic maple syrup bottles—similar to those used for pasta sauce, olive oil, or jam—are recyclable when free of residue. As with all containers, rinsing is essential to prevent contamination of other recyclables.

Mòrag Bélisle emphasizes a core principle throughout the segment: recycling only works when items are clean and sorted correctly. Food residue, liquids, or non-recyclable components like pumps can spoil entire batches of materials, sending them to landfill instead of being reprocessed. The message aligns with broader provincial efforts to improve recycling accuracy under Recyc-Québec’s public education campaigns.

The video also suggests sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on single-use packaging. These include switching to refillable containers, using bar shampoos and conditioners, or participating in store-based refill programs where available. Such options not only cut plastic waste but also simplify recycling habits by minimizing the number of containers needing sorting.

By focusing on relatable, everyday items, the La Tribune segment seeks to empower viewers with actionable knowledge. Rather than presenting recycling as an overwhelming system, it breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps—empty, rinse, check, and sort—encouraging consistent participation in Quebec’s recycling ecosystem.