News release: October 30, 2020
Region of Peel supports the province’s plan to improve blue box recycling program
Brampton, ON. (October 30, 2020) – The Region of Peel has moved a step closer to its goal of 75 per cent waste diversion. In an announcement last week, the Ontario government put forward a proposal to overhaul the blue box recycling program.
The proposal includes expanding the items that can be recycled and making producers of products and packaging fully responsible for managing the full lifecycle of their products.
“The Region of Peel thanks Premier Ford, Minister Yurek and the Ontario Government for its continued work to enhance the blue box recycling program and moving this policy change forward,” says Norman Lee, the Region’s Director of Waste Management. “A plan that allows residents to put more items in their recycling and that makes collection consistent across the province is a step in the right direction that will result in less garbage being sent to landfill.”
Proposed changes to the program include:
- standardizing and increasing the list of materials accepted in the blue box to include paper and plastic cups, wraps, foils, trays, and bags and other single-use items such as stir sticks, straws, cutlery and plates;
- making producers operationally and financially responsible for the management of their blue box recyclables;
- transitioning the costs of the program away from municipal taxpayers to producers;
- encouraging innovation such as better product design and the use of new recycling technologies and processes for better environmental outcomes; and
- exempting small generators of blue box recyclables to minimize the impact and burden on small businesses.
“The Region of Peel continues to advocate for its residents and for a seamless transition with no disruption to waste collection services,” Mr. Lee adds.
Media contacts
Lisa Dhillon
Specialist, Communications
Region of Peel
Tel: 647-409-3056
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.