A concerning shift is happening in London, Ontario: businesses are being forced to abandon their recycling efforts, and the consequences could be dire. The province-wide changes to the blue bin program, implemented on January 1st, have left many business owners and environmental advocates deeply worried. They fear that this policy shift will lead to a surge in recyclable materials ending up in landfills, a significant setback for sustainability efforts. But how did this happen, and what does it mean for the future? Let's dive in.
The core of the issue lies in the Ontario Blue Box program, which has transferred responsibility from municipalities to the companies that supply packaging and paper to residents. While residents continue to enjoy their regular recycling pickup, businesses are now excluded from this service.
Madheva Ellea, owner of Rascals Kitchen, perfectly illustrates the problem. Her restaurant generates a significant amount of recyclable waste, including alcohol bottles, drink containers, and cardboard boxes.
"My initial reaction is this is awkward because you see my bins are right at the entrance of my business," said Madheva Ellea, who owns Rascals Kitchen in the Southcrest neighbourhood.
Ellea highlights the awkwardness of having to manage a growing pile of recyclables with no easy solution for disposal. With no pickup service, Ellea is concerned about the impact on customer experience and the appearance of his business. This is just one example of the challenges businesses are now facing.
Kevin Morrison, executive director of the Old East Village BIA, has been fielding calls from frustrated business owners in his neighborhood. Many lack the time, resources, or financial means to transport large volumes of recyclables to environmental depots or hire private contractors. As a result, they're left with no choice but to throw recyclables in the trash.
“They said they don’t have the time. They’re too busy running their businesses, keeping doors open,” he said. “If you’ve got 50 pails to go out every two weeks because you’re a busy food establishment, how are you going to load that up into a vehicle and then take it to a depot?”
This situation raises a crucial question: is this a step backward for sustainability? Andrew Price, the green economy manager at the London Environmental Network, believes so. He points out that while the changes might benefit residents and the city overall, the exclusion of businesses is a significant oversight.
“Unfortunately, we see the sustainability front kind of vanishes. All that material goes into the landfill,” he said.
Diane Szoller from the Thames Region Ecological Association echoes this concern, expressing disappointment that businesses are resorting to discarding recyclables. She urges them to seek innovative solutions to continue their recycling efforts.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kara Rijnen, co-owner of Reimagine Co., a package-free food takeout spot, admits to being somewhat annoyed by the situation. She now has to take her recyclables home, adding to her already busy schedule.
“I was a little annoyed, if I’m being totally honest, because we are already excluded from the green bin program that the city runs,” she said.
While Rijnen is passionate about sustainability, she understands that it may not be a top priority for everyone, especially those with limited time or resources.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite the challenges, there's a silver lining for residents. The new year brought expanded options for what can be recycled in their blue bins. Now, Londoners can recycle flexible plastic packaging, foam packaging, and even tubes from toothpaste and other personal care products.
What are your thoughts on this shift? Do you think businesses should be responsible for their recycling, or should the city provide services? Share your opinions in the comments below!
