KAWARTHA LAKES-It’s been a bumpy start to the launch of the new blue box recycling program in Kawartha lakes with some residents having concerns or experiencing challenges with their recycling collection.
The City says it is working with Circular Materials and Emterra to support a smooth adjustment period, and in the meantime, would like to clarify some information to reduce confusion.
Program roles
The new provincial recycling program was developed by Circular Materials to meet provincial regulations, with Emterra contracted to provide recycling collection services in Kawartha Lakes.
Program details specific to Kawartha Lakes are available on the Circular Materials website here.
Who to contact
Residents with recycling service questions or concerns should contact Emterra first, as they are responsible for service delivery and best equipped to respond:
- Phone: 1-888-597-1541
- Email: [email protected]
Similar to municipal operations, Emterra does not respond to after-hours calls or weekend emails until the next business day. As a result, residents may experience longer response times due to higher-than-normal call and email volumes.
Escalations
If residents are eligible for service, have already contacted Emterra, and remain dissatisfied, the next step is to contact Circular Materials.
- Phone: 1-877-667-2626
- Email: [email protected]
The recycling program is a function of the province and as such, further questions or concerns can be directed to:
- Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority: They are responsible for overseeing the program implemented by Circular Materials.
- Your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Set-out and pick-up times
Residents must place garbage and recycling at the curb by 7am. Collection times may vary due to new routes, weather issues and collection volumes. Residents are also asked to wait until 7pm before reporting a missed collection to Emterra.
Alcoholic beverage containers
Provincial Blue Box regulations require a separate collection system for alcoholic beverage containers, such as the Ontario Deposit Return Program (also known as the “Bag It Back” program). Alcoholic beverage containers are not intended to be included in curbside recycling, despite having been picked up by the previous collector.
Residents should plan to use the separate collection system for these materials going forward, so materials don’t get left behind. More information, including information on where to return empties is available at Ontario Deposit Return Program website and The Beer Store website.
Weather and holiday impacts
Recycling continues on an alternating weekly schedule. If recycling is missed due to weather, the contractor will not return the following week to collect the missed material. Residents must wait until the next eligible collection week (two weeks later).
Alternatively, recycling materials are currently accepted at landfill sites during regular operating hours (note: fees apply to residential materials in quantities greater than 150kg).
Recycling containers
A list of recyclable materials is available on the Circular Materials Ontario website. If you are still unsure, acceptable containers should be confirmed with Emterra. The following guidelines also apply:
- Containers must be clearly identified as recycling
- Containers must not be overfilled or too heavy (manual collection)
- To reduce the potential for litter, containers may be covered (eg. lid or blanket) if coverings are easily removable
- Bin colour does not matter
- Organics bins cannot be used for recycling
Residents requiring new or additional recycling bins must contact Emterra directly. Bins will not be replaced if lost or damaged by a resident, but should otherwise be provided.
