Starting next year, residents will no longer be have access to the self-service paper shredder at the Waste Resource Innovation Centre.
The shredder is set to be shut down as of Jan. 1 due to changes from the provincial Blue Box Regulation, which were announced earlier this year.
For Guelph, that change means non-profit packaging producers Circular Materials will take over recycling from the city as part of the province-wide plan to shift the cost away from property taxpayers. Guelph’s recycling equipment will be sold off, and the space at WRIC renovated for other uses.
Recyclables, instead, will be collected by Waste Management Corporation of Canada on behalf of CM.
Other minor changes may follow, like the time of day the blue bin is picked up (though the day will remain the same).
However, shredded and un-shredded paper is still being collected, and the city will continue to run a public drop-off area for recyclables at WRIC on Dunlop Drive throughout 2025.
Shredded and un-shredded paper can be dropped off in clear plastic bags at gate 1 of the WRIC for free. Shredded paper can also be placed in clear plastic bags in your blue cart.
Paper can be shredded from local paper shredding service and office supply and print shops; the Guelph Tool Library also has paper shredders available to borrow.
