Starting January 1, 2025, household residential recycling will no longer be collected by the City of Timmins. In accordance with provincial legislation introduced in 2023, the companies that produce blue box materials will be required to fully fund and operate Ontario’s recycling system.
For residents in Timmins, the transition will be straightforward. The non-profit company, Circular Materials, will be responsible for having residential recycling collected through an agreement with GFL Environmental Inc. Residential collection dates will remain the same. GFL has also purchased the City’s recycling bins in the amount of $172,108. The City’s current diversion programs for small electronics, batteries, and tires will continue. The City will even assist with communication during the transition period through the Timmins Recyclepedia app and municipal website.
“The biggest change for residents will be knowing who to call with questions or concerns related to recycling,” said Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “Once we have that information, we’ll add it to our website and waste management app. Putting the responsibility for recycling on the producer means greater accountability for proper recycling. It will help with landfill life cycles. The municipality and tax payer will stop paying for the processing of blue box materials, which can have varied rates.
By 2026, the province’s plan is for residents to be able to recycle more types of materials, with a list that is consistent across the province.
“As we work through the Blue Box transition, our biggest recommendation for residents is to be diligent about recycling properly,” adds Krcel. “Contamination is important to avoid, to ensure that all of your recycled items can be properly collected and processed. On the Timmins.ca website, we have a list of the current acceptable recycling products and how to recycle them properly. Remove lids and rinse out containers. Cut down and flatten cardboard. It makes a difference.”
To learn more about the Blue Box transition, visit: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/waste_recycling_services/blue_box_program.
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