Ottawa Residents Face New Recycling Bin Collection Requirement
Ottawa residents who need new recycling bins are now required to collect them personally from designated locations, as the city's new recycling contractor implements a significant policy shift. This change represents a departure from the previous system where bins were delivered directly to homes.
New Collection Locations Across the City
Miller Waste Services, the contractor responsible for Ottawa's recycling collection, has established two pickup locations for residents requiring new blue bins. The facilities are strategically positioned at opposite ends of the city to serve different communities.
The first location operates northwest of Stittsville on Walgreen Road, while the second is situated on Bantree Street in the east-end Trainyards area. Residents must visit one of these sites to obtain their new recycling containers.
Transition Under Ontario-Wide Recycling Program
This change forms part of the broader transition to Ontario's new province-wide recycling program, which took effect in Ottawa on January 1st. The system is administered by the non-profit organization Circular Materials, with Miller Waste Services handling the actual collection operations.
Previously, when the City of Ottawa managed recycling services directly, new bins were delivered to residents free of charge. The old system also included an exchange program that allowed residents to place damaged bins at the curb for replacement.
Evolving Contractor Policies
When Miller Waste assumed recycling collection duties at the beginning of January, the contractor initially appeared to follow a system similar to the city's previous approach. According to email correspondence obtained by the Ottawa Citizen in early January, Miller Waste was delivering new bins to residents upon request at that time.
However, residents report that the contractor's messaging has changed significantly within recent weeks. By mid-January, Miller Waste began directing people to pick up new bins themselves rather than having them delivered.
Standardized Bin Distribution Process
Circular Materials, which handles communications and media relations for Miller Waste, explained that they are working to establish a standardized process for providing new bins to residents. "As part of our ongoing focus on delivering a strong and consistent resident experience, we are working with our service provider, Miller Waste, on a standardized process for providing new bins to residents," stated Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials.
The organization clarified that new bins would be provided based on demonstrated need, such as damage to existing containers or consistently high volumes of recycling material requiring additional capacity.
Color Standardization and Collection Changes
Miller Waste has also announced that they are only distributing blue bins as part of an effort to phase out black containers. Previously, bin color served to separate different types of recycling materials, with black designated for paper and cardboard, while blue bins held plastic and glass.
Under the new system, regardless of bin color, materials will be collected on designated pickup days as long as residents place the correct recycling items in their containers. This represents a simplification of the sorting process for residents.
Resident Adaptation and Future Considerations
The transition to this new collection model requires Ottawa residents to adjust their expectations and routines regarding recycling services. While the change may initially inconvenience some households, the standardized approach aims to create consistency across the recycling program.
Circular Materials has acknowledged the adjustment period, stating, "We thank residents for their patience as we worked to finalize this process and ensure we are meeting their needs." The organization continues to refine the bin distribution system as the new provincial recycling program becomes established in Ottawa.
