Wellington County Expands Business Recycling Amid New Regulations

URGENT UPDATE: Wellington County is set to expand its business recycling services, following a significant decision made at last week’s county council meeting. Councilors have authorized negotiations with producer responsibility organizations to enhance recycling collection for local businesses, although the timeline for this expansion remains unclear.

According to a report from Das Soligo, the county’s manager of solid waste services, the province has recently amended regulations to allow small businesses along existing residential collection routes to participate in recycling services at municipal expense. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and support local enterprises.

However, the province has stipulated that only 2% of households in each municipality can participate in this program, which translates to approximately 680 businesses in Wellington County. Currently, 526 businesses are already benefiting from county-supported recycling services, and more registrations are coming in weekly.

Soligo emphasizes the need for further discussions to determine the earliest possible start date for the expanded business collection services. Communities utilizing blue box collection will be limited to two blue boxes per participating industrial, commercial, or institutional business. This restriction is designed to ensure efficient collection and processing capacity as communities grow.

Businesses in areas serviced through blue box collection can register to opt in by this October 2023, with services expected to commence in January 2026. For communities allowing additional containers or carts, the registration deadline extends to September 2026, with a service start date of January 2027.

This move is crucial for Wellington County as it aligns with broader environmental goals and reflects a growing commitment to sustainable practices among local enterprises. The expansion of recycling services not only aids in reducing waste but also fosters a community-oriented approach to environmental stewardship.

As negotiations progress, stakeholders are urged to stay informed about upcoming developments in this initiative. The county’s proactive steps could serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance their recycling programs and support local businesses.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and ensure your business is ready to participate in this vital environmental initiative.