A new recycling initiative set to launch soon aims to simplify the recycling process for households, but for a local company in Windsor, Ontario, it presents challenges. Starting in January, the company, Herby Curby, will no longer be permitted to utilize its recycling bins. Herby Curby, a business with a 40-year history, currently provides around 2,200 rental recycling bins and has sold approximately 8,800 bins.
In response to this change, the company has initiated a petition requesting that their bins be accepted by the recycling trucks since they claim their products offer the same functionality as the new free carts being distributed to households in Windsor-Essex. Charlotte Coates, an employee of Herby Curby, expressed concerns about the impact on their business, stating that losing the ability to use half of their products will result in a significant loss.
Moreover, Coates worries that households receiving only one bin may resort to disposing of excess recyclables in the trash. While some residents, such as Brenda Lozon, appreciate the convenience of a single recycling bin, others like Beverly Surette are uncertain about the transition from the previous system and ponder the fate of their existing wheelie bins.
The upcoming program, managed by Circular Materials, mandates the use of the new recycling bin starting in January as part of a province-wide shift towards a unified recycling system where packaging and paper companies bear financial responsibility. Notably, Windsor-Essex residents will no longer need to separate paper and containers, as all recyclables can now be placed in the same bin. Additionally, the list of accepted items for recycling has been expanded to include products such as deodorant and toothpaste packaging.
Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, emphasized the necessity of using the provided bin to ensure compatibility with the new automated collection system. Politician Andrew Dowie highlighted the data collection benefits of the new bins, as they are equipped with barcodes to assist in monitoring truck capacities for logistical purposes.
Circular Materials assures that households will receive their new bins before the system’s implementation in January, with the expectation that one bin will suffice for most households. In cases where residents consistently exceed the bin’s capacity, they can request an additional cart free of charge through the local collection contractor, GFL Environmental, following a needs assessment.
Overall, the transition to the new recycling system in Windsor-Essex signifies a pivotal shift towards a more streamlined and efficient recycling process for residents and businesses alike.