As the shift to a full producer-pay recycling system nears for Guelph residents, city officials are looking for a contractor to decommission those aspects of the solid waste centre.
However, it’s unclear what that process involves.
As of Jan. 1, the City of Guelph will no longer be responsible for the collection of recyclable materials from the blue carts or be involved in what happens with materials once collected. That will be up to a not-for-profit organization created by packing producers known as Circular Materials.
The city will still handle organic materials from green carts and the non-recyclable grey cart waste.
Earlier this month, city officials issued a request for proposals in search of a contractor to handle decommissioning activities. In turn, GuelphToday reached out to city staff responsible for the solid waste centre and arranged an interview about what that involves.
The interview didn't happen. Written questions then went unanswered.
The city said in an email that a news release is planned for Oct. 21.
The unanswered questions centred around decommissioning and what the future holds for aspects of the solid waste facility no longer needed for recycling.
As of Friday afternoon, when the bidding opportunity was set to close, two firms had come forward for consideration. Documents detailing the project are posted on the city’s ‘bids and tenders’ page but cannot be downloaded by the general public.
Transition to the producer-pay system was announced by the provincial government in 2020, with municipalities shifted to the system in a phased approach. Guelph’s turn is set for Jan. 1 of 2025.
Province-wide, the transition is slated for completion by the end of next year.
Currently, city taxpayers pay for half the cost of the recycling program, while producers cover the rest.
Required under the Waste Free Ontario Act, the province-wide transitions are intended to promote a circular economy by making producers of packaging and products responsible for their products through the end of use.
