New rules for bin replacements ‘one of the biggest complaints,’ says Insinna
April 25, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Changes to how recycling programs function are being made across the province, and those changes began early last year in Niagara.
What residents can put at the curb in their grey and blue boxes hasn’t changed, but all recycling programs in Ontario will be moving to a single provincial collection system by the end of this year.
That system will be funded, overseen and operated by producers of recyclable materials, including manufacturers of packaging, paper products, glass, metal or plastic, or a combination of these materials.
Gross costs of residential recycling collection programs were previously split approximately 50/50 between municipalities and producers, according to a news release from Niagara Region.
But under the new framework, Circular Materials is administering and managing the contracts to collect and receive recyclable materials.
While this change will not have an obvious impact on most homes in Fort Erie, the most noticeable difference is that residents can no longer go to the recycling depot on Bridge Street to replace their grey and blue boxes.
Under the new arrangement, Fort Erie residents, along with those from five other municipalities, need to contact Miller Waste Systems to replace their blue or grey box.
This requires a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie Regional Councillor Tom Insinna told Fort Erie Radio in an interview this week.
“That’s one of the biggest complaints right now,” said Insinna, also noting that regional staff in the waste management department have been working with residents in south Niagara, especially seniors who may not be able to drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, to set something up to make it easier for them.
“They’ll try to arrange something for people down this way,” he said.
Another major change, that could be implemented soon but has yet to be approved by regional council, is that materials will no longer be picked up at places like businesses, churches, charities, and government buildings.
Arrangements will need to be made with the new provider for pickup to continue, said Insinna.
Another option would be to make businesses and other organizations responsible for transporting their own materials to recycling depots.
Insinna said this matter will come back to regional council later this year, and he expects it will be supported.
He said there are concerns about this, especially that it will increase the chances of recycling being thrown into garbage bags instead of being recycled.
“My big issue is that it’s going to end up in the landfill,” he said.
Residents looking to replace their blue or grey bins can contact Miller Waste Systems at (833) 621-0726 or area19@millerwaste.ca.
The Region can be reached at (905) 980-6000.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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