MOTION:
WHEREAS the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks has issued direction to Stewardship Ontario to begin the transition of Ontario’s Blue Box Program from Municipalities to producers of plastic and other packaging;
AND WHEREAS Municipalities have acted as the primary Blue Box service provider for over 30 years establishing successful, convenient, and cost effective recycling programs for their residents;
AND WHEREAS the City of Markham (“Markham”), its residents, and its innovative business community have initiated bold actions over the years and demonstrated environmental leadership resulting in:
An 82% community diversion rate and a 74% RPRA (Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority) net diversion rate;
A curbside waste generation rate of only 258 kg per capita as a result of Markham’s Clear Bag garbage program and material bans;
Recycling services to all of Markham’s 132 multi-residential buildings;
160,770 visits by residents to Markham’s community recycling depots in 2018;
An award winning Textile diversion program which has diverted over 15 million lbs of textiles from the waste stream;
Zero Waste and 3-stream collection services to all Markham community facilities, primary schools and BIAs (business improvement areas);
AND WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council wishes to ensure the continued success of Markham’s integrated waste management and recycling system and that the amended Blue Box Program meets the needs of our growing community;
Therefore be it resolved:
- That the report entitled “Proposed Provincial Blue Box Program Changes” be received; and,
- That the Province ensures that municipalities are meaningfully involved in the transition process and a robust and extensive consultation with all stakeholders; and,
- That the City of Markham with its environmental leadership experiences offers to provide support to the Province and Stewardship Ontario during the transition process; and,
- That the Provincial Government ensure the new Blue Box Plan will not negatively impact Ontarians' experience with, and access to, Blue Box services and related diversion programs and that service levels and convenience for residents will be maintained or improved; and,
- That the Province establish and enforce through regulation, aggressive diversion targets for the Blue Box Plan that clearly articulates a goal of zero waste, supported with programs aimed to eliminate waste and create a strong circular economy; and,
- That the Province ensure that the Blue Box Plan respect the cost effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental performance of the integrated collection system currently provided by municipalities including the efficiency of material co-collection; and,
- That the Province ensure the Blue Box Plan include a cost recovery mechanism to compensate municipalities for the additional cost of materials redirected to the organics or waste streams as result of a reduced Blue Box material acceptance list; and,
- That Council authorize the Commissioner of Community & Fire Services /or designate to actively participate in the consultation process to advance Markham’s priorities; and,
- That the City Clerk circulate this Motion to the Clerks of York Region and the local municipalities and the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; and further,
- That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.