Mississauga households can now put used hot and cold drink cups in the blue bin, one of several changes that came with Ontario's new recycling system when it took effect in Peel on Jan. 1.
As of the new year, Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization, manages blue bin recycling in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, taking over from the Region of Peel. The region says the change is part of Ontario's move to extended producer responsibility, under which the businesses that supply packaging and paper are financially responsible for recycling it.
What stays the same
Residents keep using the same blue bin, and collection days and schedules have not changed. The Region of Peel still collects garbage, organics and yard waste, and Community Recycling Centres continue to accept recycling.
One thing that is different is who to call about a missed recycling pickup. Those reports now go to collection contractor GFL, either online or at 1-877-268-4351. The region warns that phone wait times may be long.
What's new in the bin
Because the rules are meant to be the same across Ontario, Peel residents can now recycle some items that were not accepted locally before, insauga reported. The biggest change for many households is paper hot and cold beverage cups. The cups were long rejected because of their plastic lining, but takeout coffee cups and fountain-drink cups can now be recycled instead of going to landfill.
Glass containers, metal, foam packaging, flexible plastic, plastic containers, paper and cardboard are also on the accepted list.
What's out
Some items that Peel used to accept are no longer allowed in the blue bin, including soft-cover books and alcoholic beverage containers, according to the same report.
The region says a single provincewide system is meant to encourage more sustainable packaging, make the rules consistent between municipalities and improve recycling results. Residents who are unsure about an item can check the region's recycling guidance online before putting it at the curb.
