North Bay City Council has supported the city’s Blue Box and Waste Diversion Plan. An annual report will now be sent to the province.

Overall, 3311 tons were collected last year and that’s down from 2018 when 3370 tons were collected.

Councillor Mac Bain says 65 % of the community recycles and he would like to see that number higher.

“I would encourage everyone to do it because it is good for the environment. And remember it is cost shared with Stewardship Ontario and only half of the cost is paid for by the home owner,” Bain says.

There were reductions in newsprint, clear and coloured glass, steel and aluminum while corrugated cardboard, mixed plastics and general plastics all went up.

The city says many organizations ask the public to donate aluminum cans for fundraising projects and people have been encouraged to bring their used liquor battles back to the LCBO or the Beer Store for a refund.

Meantime, Bain hopes having students recycling products at school will remain a big emphasis if the province takes over recycling in the future.

“The students in the schools do a great job. They care about the environment. They pick up litter around their schools. They recycle in their schools and they bring the message about recycling home to their parents,” Bain says.

(photo by station staff)

Filed under: Blue Box