Ontario is set to undergo significant changes to its recycling system, shifting the cost and responsibility of residential recycling from municipalities to industry producers. This move, aimed at promoting a circular economy, will impact the way household recyclables are collected and sorted across the province. The transition is set to unfold over three years, with Kingston beginning its shift in July 2025. This article explores the details of this transition, how it will affect municipalities like Kingston, and what residents can expect from the new system.
The Shift to Producer-Led Recycling: An Overview
Starting in 2023, Ontario is implementing a new recycling framework that places the responsibility for recycling collection, sorting, and disposal on producers of the products and packaging that contribute to waste. This shift is part of the province’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and efficient recycling system while reducing the financial burden on municipalities.
The province’s new recycling system aims to:
- Ensure a more consistent approach to recycling across all municipalities.
- Promote a circular economy, where producers are responsible for the lifecycle of their products, including recycling.
- Streamline waste management practices to encourage more effective recycling and waste reduction.
Over the next three years, the new system will be gradually implemented, with Kingston’s transition set for July 2025. This shift will require municipalities to adjust their infrastructure and processes, while also enabling producers to take on more responsibility for managing the end-of-life stage of their products.
Kingston’s Role in the Transition
Kingston, which operates the largest blue and grey box recycling facility in Southeastern Ontario, will be one of the first municipalities to undergo this transition. The Kingston Area Recycling Centre (KARC), which has been in operation since 1989, currently handles a large portion of the city’s recycling, processing over 10,400 tonnes of recyclable material each year. However, with the provincial shift to producer-led recycling, the city will gradually phase out its role in curbside recycling collection.
Transition to Producer-Led Collection
Kingston is laying the groundwork for a smooth transition by preparing to lease its large recycling facility to private companies. This strategic decision aims to maximize the value of KARC, preventing it from becoming a stranded asset. The city is looking for companies that can take over the collection, transfer, and processing of recyclables, with the goal of maintaining or improving service levels for local residents.
The leasing process will involve a provincially regulated bidding system, ensuring that any new service providers are held to high standards. By leasing the facility, Kingston can generate additional revenue, offsetting some of the financial losses from the provincial recycling subsidy that the city currently receives.
Impact on Jobs and Services
As the city transitions out of the recycling business, there may be some impact on jobs within the recycling sector. Kingston currently employs six full-time recycling collectors, along with contracted services for collection in suburban areas. However, with the shift to producer-led services, some jobs may be impacted. The city is committed to ensuring that any changes are managed carefully and that residents experience no disruption in their curbside recycling services.
For the foreseeable future, Kingston will maintain its responsibility for green bin organics and yard waste collection. These services will remain under municipal control, as they are not part of the province’s new producer-led recycling system.
What Residents Can Expect from the New Recycling System
Consistent Service Across Ontario
One of the primary benefits of the new system is the standardization of recycling services across Ontario. Beginning in 2026, households in Kingston and other municipalities will see a consistent set of materials collected through the blue and grey box programs. This means that recyclables such as cardboard, plastics, and cans will be collected in the same way across the province.
The shift to a standardized collection system is intended to:
- Simplify recycling processes for residents, making it easier to understand what can and cannot be recycled.
- Improve the efficiency of recycling operations by reducing confusion and ensuring that all municipalities follow the same procedures.
- Enhance the quality of the recycling stream, making it easier for recycled materials to be processed and reused.
Although this shift may lead to some changes in the specific items collected in certain municipalities, the overall goal is to provide a consistent and more efficient recycling experience for all Ontario residents.
Expanded Producer Responsibility
Under the new system, producers will be responsible not only for collecting household recyclables but also for managing household hazardous waste, such as paints and batteries. This shift will encourage producers to design products with recycling in mind, helping to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of the entire system.
Potential Benefits for Kingston
Kingston is expected to benefit from the new system in several ways:
- Revenue Generation: By leasing the KARC facility to private companies, Kingston can generate additional revenue, which can help offset the loss of the provincial recycling subsidy.
- Improved Recycling Programs: The shift to a standardized system may lead to more efficient recycling practices, benefiting the city and its residents.
- Environmental Impact: With producers taking on more responsibility for recycling, the overall environmental impact of the province’s waste management system is likely to decrease.
What’s Next for Kingston’s Recycling System?
As Kingston prepares for the transition, the city council is focused on ensuring that the changes are implemented smoothly and that residents continue to receive high-quality recycling services. The goal is to retain control over certain aspects of waste management while moving towards a more sustainable and cost-effective recycling system.
City officials are also closely monitoring developments in the producer-led system, keeping a watchful eye on the bidding process for recycling services in the area. This will allow Kingston to adapt to the evolving landscape and ensure that the city remains at the forefront of Ontario’s recycling efforts.
Conclusion
Ontario’s transition to a producer-led recycling system is set to reshape how waste is managed across the province. For municipalities like Kingston, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While the city gradually phases out its role in curbside recycling collection, it will continue to provide essential waste services and work towards maximizing the value of its recycling infrastructure. Residents can expect a more standardized and efficient recycling system that aligns with Ontario’s long-term environmental goals, and Kingston stands to benefit from the new framework in terms of revenue generation and improved service quality.