I am extremely concerned…

I am extremely concerned that, what was a major step forward to improve and expand recycling, reduce costs to consumers and get industry to pay for better material handling is being severely downgraded. Not only is the implementation of the program behind schedule, government is:

a) delaying implementation by 5 years,
b) greatly reducing what will be collected,
c) cancel program expansions,
d) reduce locations served, and
e) allow amounts incinerated to count as recycled.

Ontario has once again failed to implement a popular program which has great public support. if the proposed measures are implemented, citizens no longer able to access the program (those living in multi-unit housing and long-term care homes), and schools board will see higher costs. It is very likely that this will lead to unlawful disposal of plastic, beverage containers and other materials. And, populations living in communities where waste incineration takes place will be exposed to increased levels of toxic contaminants in the air they breathe.

These proposed changes should be dropped and instead government should apply greater pressure on industry to accelerated their programs for meeting previously established targets.