Residents in Aurora, Ontario, are expressing confusion and frustration over the arrival of new 95-gallon recycling carts distributed last week. The change is part of a regional transition in York Region to a new provincial recycling system that shifts the funding and operation of the blue box program from local municipalities to product and packaging producers.
One Aurora resident, Manuel, highlighted a significant concern regarding the cart's size, especially for elderly residents. “I wanted to do my part, and recycle everything I can," he stated. "My father's 85 years old. There’s no way he can carry this out. It’s not possible.” His sentiments are echoed by many in the community who feel that the new cart system does not take into account the varying needs of residents.
The transition to the new system is managed by Circular Materials, an organization that oversees recycling operations across Ontario. Aurora's Mayor, Tom Mrakas, has voiced his disappointment over the lack of consultation during this transition. "We’re actually dumbfounded at the fact that this has been presented this way in Northern York Region," he remarked. Unlike residents in regions such as Toronto and Peel, who reportedly had options regarding bin sizes, Aurora residents were not given similar choices.
In addition to the rollout of the new carts, six northern communities in York Region will begin bi-weekly automated cart collection starting in January via the contractor GFL Environmental. This change is designed to improve recycling collection efficiency, although it has drawn mixed reactions from residents.
Circular Materials has defended the decision regarding the cart size, indicating that the carts come as part of a competitive procurement process and align with provincial regulations. While many residents are expressing their concerns, some families are welcoming the change, with one resident stating, "I’m actually happy about it because we had to put three of the smaller blue bins to actually fit the recyclables because that was not enough.”
The six mayors of the northern communities in York Region are actively seeking solutions to ensure that local residents are provided with appropriate blue bin options that meet their needs. As these changes are implemented, the region aims to improve recycling capabilities, with more materials—including coffee cups, deodorant containers, and toothpaste tubes—now eligible for recycling under the new system.
