The transition of the region's recycling program is about to get underway.
Starting March 2, the region will begin shifting the responsibility to Circular Materials Ontario (CMO), a company that implements and supports efficient recycling programs across Canada.
Under the new system set to take full effect in 2026, companies producing the waste bear the financial costs and are tasked with the execution of recycling.
Circular Materials is a not-for-profit organization founded by 17 food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers, restaurants and retailers including Costco, McDonald's, Loblaw Companies Limited, Coca-Cola and Nestle.
“We look forward to delivering a seamless transition of recycling services for the residents of Waterloo Region,” Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, said.
“As the province transitions over the next few years to a full producer responsibility framework, Ontarians can expect to have a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system that will support residents and improve recycling rates.”
Residents shouldn't notice much of a change during the transition period as collection days, the items put into blue boxes, two-box sorting and green bin, garbage and bulky item collection will stay the same.
The biggest change will be who people contact regarding issues and questions.
For those living in the cities, Miller Waste Systems is the main point of contact. In the townships, Emterra Environmental will be handling inquiries.
The province estimates the switch will result in savings of $156 million each year for municipalities.
In the meantime, some of those costs are expected to be recovered at the grocery store and consumers could begin to see recycling fees added to their purchases.
“This community has a proud history as the birthplace of the blue box program,” Regional Chair Karen Redman said.
“As we transition to producer-responsible recycling, our focus remains on increasing landfill diversion and the continued promotion and adoption of the 4Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover.”
Miller Waste Systems can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling 1-888-852-3450.
Emterra Environmental is available at [email protected] or 1-888-587-1541.
