What Goes Where

Getting ready for collection day and not sure where something belongs? Use the Nanaimo Recycles’ What Goes Where search wizard to look up:

  • Paper products
  • Packaging
  • Household items
  • & more

What Goes Where makes recycling easier. It is like having a personal recycling coach in your home. Learn what is accepted in Nanaimo for curbside collection by using the app.

What Goes Where on your smartphone

For easy access to What Goes Where on your smartphone, download the Nanaimo Recycles app from Google Play or the App Store:

With What Goes Where you'll never have to guess if an item is collected at the curb or needs to be dropped off at a depot. 

Didn't find what you were looking for in What Goes Where? Contact the Zero Waste Hotline to have the item added.

Contact Us

Zero Waste Hotline
250-756-5390
Monday to Friday | 8 am to 4:30 pm
Zero.Waste@nanaimo.ca
Blue recycling collection cart

Last updated: September 17, 2026


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