Wellington County switching to recycling carts in August
Residents have until June 12 to request smaller cart
WELLINGTON COUNTY – The blue bins that have been used for 35 years in Wellington County are being replaced by blue carts starting in August.
New 360-litre carts, holding around seven blue bins worth of material, are expected to be delivered in July to county residents.
Those wanting a smaller 240-litre cart, which is seven inches less deep than the 360-litre cart and holds about four-and-a-half blue bins worth of material, will need to apply online by June 12.
Starting in mid-August, carts will be collected every other week on current collection days, opposite garbage collection weeks. The start day varies by municipality.
The change for residential recycling collection comes from Circular Materials, the non-profit funded by producers of recyclables and now responsible for orchestrating collection in Ontario municipalities.
Previously municipalities were charged with recycling pickup, but a province-wide switch to Circular Materials management took effect at the beginning of the year at the behest of the provincial government. The county has said it expects to save $2 million per year because of the switch.
The county continues to manage collection of residential and commercial garbage and green bin materials, as well as recycling pickup for businesses which have been left out of Circular Materials’ mandate.
According to county solid waste service committee chair Steve O’Neill, 479 of 1,800 businesses visited by county staff are participating in the county’s recycling cart program, which is paid for by county residents.
Once residential blue cart pickup begins, materials no longer need to be separated.
Flattened cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, egg cartons, pet food bags, any kind of paper (not books), and flexible plastic packaging will be accepted.
Additional items, including hot/cold beverage cups, frozen juice containers, Styrofoam, deodorant and toothpaste, will also be accepted.
Residents with physical limitations who cannot set out their recycling cart can request accommodations with a physician’s note.
Circular Materials is offering tips for a smooth experience:
• only accepted recyclable materials should be placed inside carts;
• flatten, bundle corrugated cardboard to save space;
• clean and dry all containers placed loosely in cart
• do not bag recyclables or otherwise package them, except for shredded paper, which should be in a clear plastic bag;
• lids and labels can remain on containers and cans;
• carts need to be placed with the lid opening facing the road (wheels away from the curb);
• carts should be at least three feet away from fences or vehicles;
• place cart on a flat surface clear of snow and ice;
• carts should be at the curb by 7am on collection day.
Old blue bins will not be collected curb side, but can be taken to any of the county’s waste stations.
They can be reused for any purpose, such as storage for sand, mulch, gravel, soil, pet food, or yard waste collection.
Residents with questions can call 1-800-561-1655 or email canresidential@wm.com.
