Niagara Region says it is discontinuing recycling collection for businesses and other non-residential properties beginning next month.
The change is part of the Region’s response to the Ontario government’s Blue Box Regulation, which is shifting responsibility for residential recycling to producers rather than government.
The Region says about 4,375 non-residential properties across Niagara currently receive recycling collection via Niagara Region. This includes properties like small businesses, commercial entities, hospitals, schools, places of worship, and not-for-profit organizations.
In order to continue this service, Niagara Region says Ontario’s regulations would require collection to happen separately from residential properties, which would cost the Region about $3.5 million per year. That cost, according to the Region, is not affordable within this year’s budget constraints.
The new provincial regulations state that recycling from non-residential properties cannot be collected on the same vehicles as residential material.
Importantly, residential recycling collection will not be impacted by this change.
Dave Yousif, Acting Director of Waste Management Services, put out a statement regarding the change.
“Niagara Region has worked diligently throughout the transition to advocate for continued service for non-residential properties, recognizing the important role these organizations play in our community,” said Yousif.
“While the Province’s regulatory framework does not include these properties in the new producer-operated Blue Box system, we remain committed to supporting businesses and community organizations by helping them identify appropriate recycling alternatives and by continuing to raise their concerns with the Province,” Yousif added.
According to the Region, it has been in communication with the business community and has been urging those properties affected to arrange for private recycling services. The Region says it is continuing to provide information and support to help with the transition.
At the same time, Niagara Region says it will continue to review whether non-residential properties can continue to use its recycling drop-off depots, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
