Ontario’s recycling system has changed under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act.
Under the new regulations, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) are now responsible for funding and managing the residential recycling program. Recycling collected from Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) properties, however, is not included in this provincially regulated system. As a result of these changes, ICI recycling must now be collected and processed separately from residential recycling, increasing service costs.
To continue providing recycling collection for eligible ICI properties and support local waste diversion efforts, the Municipality of Middlesex Centre will begin applying an annual ICI recycling fee of $160 per bin, starting January 2027. This fee will appear on municipal tax bills and will help cover the costs of collection, transportation, processing, and program administration. Services will be provided by the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA).
Can my business opt out?
Yes. Businesses may choose to opt out and request removal of their recycling bin at any time. However, it’s important to consider that this may result in recyclable materials being disposed of as garbage, which typically carries a higher cost per bin and reduces overall waste diversion from landfill.
Can my business get rid of some bins?
Yes. Businesses may request to reduce the number of bins or have them removed entirely at any time. We encourage you to review your typical usage, how many bins you set out and how full they are on collection day, to ensure your service level aligns with your needs and helps manage costs.
To opt of out the recycling program or to reduce your number of bins, contact BRA at:
- tel: 519-228-6678
- email: info@bra.org
- website: bra.org
Should my business get a dumpster instead?
Based on BRA's analysis, if your business is consistently setting out four or more full recycling bins each collection, a recycling dumpster may be a more cost-effective option. Dumpsters can reduce the number of individual bins serviced and better accommodate higher volumes of material.
To explore this option, please contact BRA's commercial division, MARS Environmental at:
- tel: 519-228-6678 ext. 221
- email: bins@marsenvironmental.ca
- website: marsenvironmental.ca
Questions
Affected businesses will receive a letter in the mail. If you have any questions about the letter or this program, please contact Middlesex Centre Public Works and Engineering.