Ontario's updated blue box program to be phased in starting in 2023
Ontario has finalized its plans to expand the list of items accepted in blue boxes as it moves to standardize recycling programs across the province.
Environment Minister Jeff Yurek announced the government has concluded consultations and will move forward with a plan that has been in development for years.
It will standardize the blue box program across more than 250 municipalities and shift the cost to operate it from communities to waste producers - a move it estimates will save $156 million a year.
Yurek says the program will mean additional items will be accepted in blue boxes including plastic cups, foils, trays and bags.
Single use items such as stir sticks, straws, cutlery and plates will also be permitted in blue bins under the proposal.
The program will be phased in starting in 2023 in Toronto, London, Kenora, and the Town of Hawkesbury.
The province will also expand blue box services to more smaller and rural communities with populations under 5,000.
It is also pledging to expand the service to locations where it is not provided, including apartment buildings, long-term care homes, schools and municipal parks by 2026.
Opposition critics have slammed the government for taking too long to implement the changes, but Yurek defended the timeline as realistic.
"When we looked at creating the blue box program we actually want to make the changes that are going to be effective and actually workable in the real day world," he said. "Not just what's thought about on a piece of paper."
Yurek said Ontario's overall waste diversion rate has stalled and about 70 per cent of recyclable materials continue to end up in landfills.
"This will allow more Ontarians to recycle," he said.
Green party Leader Mike Schreiner praised the initiative for streamlining the province's recycling program, but said if Ontario wants to tackle the issue of plastic waste it needs to ban single-use plastic bottles and coffee cups.
Those items were left off a recent federal list of banned single-use plastics, he said.
"My fear is that Premier (Doug Ford) does not understand that our plastic waste problem is reaching a crisis point," Schreiner said in a statement. "I am worried that plastics will continue to pile up in landfills, parks, and lakes."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.