Region announces new management for blue box program

The Region of Waterloo has announced that Circular Materials will take over management for the region’s blue box program beginning Mar. 2.

There will be no changes at the curb when it comes to collection days, what goes into the box, two-box sorting and other garbage pick-up. The only change will be who residents need to contact if there are questions or issues about pick-up.

The move is part of the province’s transition to a “producer responsible” framework that will ensure producers properly recycle products put into the blue bin in all municipalities by the end of 2025.

Jon Arsenault, the director of Waste Management Services for the region, said the producers are better positioned to recover materials and the transition will help reduce costs.

“Right now, we are estimating the range of a $2-million decrease in terms of net reduction and cost due to the transition of this program,” said Arsenault.

The region will continue to have a big role through the transition period between Mar. 2 to the end of 2025 as a sub contractor for the new group. Arsenault said the box materials come to two sites in either Cambridge in Waterloo and process some of the materials. With this transition, they will be able to transfer all materials to be processed off site that are directed by Circular Materials.

“Operationally, we will be continuing to manage those materials under a supply agreement with the service providers, and we will get cost recovery for that,” said Arsenault.

The region said questions or concerns can be sent to these addresses:

City residents: Miller Waste Systems at area22@millerwaste.ca or call 1-888-852-3450.

Township residents: Emterra Environmental at customercareont@emterra.ca or call 1-888-587-1541.