The County of Prince Edward is reminding the public that changes are coming to recycling collection in Prince Edward County.
The Province of Ontario is shifting the responsibility for recycling to producers instead of municipalities under the Blue Box Regulation. This shift to a framework called extended producer responsibility (EPR) is effective in Prince Edward County on Thursday, July 17.
What does this mean for residents?
As a result of the transition, a small group of County residents may see a change to their collection day. To further streamline the process, recycling and garbage pick-up will now occur on the same collection day. Click here to view the collection map to find your new collection day.
What does this mean for industrial, commercial and institutional property owners?
Industrial, commercial and institutional property owners will now have to set up and cover costs for their own recycling systems by self-hauling recycling to a waste drop-off or obtaining private collection.
The municipality is helping businesses during this transition by extending the hours of some of its waste sites. The Wellington, Sophiasburgh, and Picton waste sites are now open on Wednesdays for both recycling and waste collection. All waste sites will continue to be open during regular hours of operation on Saturdays. Click here for more information on the County’s waste disposal sites.
Background:
Historically, Ontario’s blue box programs were operated by municipalities who were responsible for paying about half of the costs of the program, with producers responsible for the other half. Now, under the new blue box regulation, Ontario is transitioning to a new model where producers – the organizations that produce the products and packaging – are 100 per cent responsible for operating and funding the program.
All materials that were previously collected in blue boxes will continue to be collected. Garbage and organics collection will not be affected by this transition.
Circular Materials Ontario (CMO) will now be managing the blue box recycling program for residents of Prince Edward County. CMO has selected E360 Solutions to provide the collection service for County residents.
The municipality thanks residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during this transition period. More information on the blue box transition can be found on the County’s website.