Hello. I'm concerned about…

Hello. I'm concerned about changes to the blue box problem. I live in Kitchener, and we have a great recycling program that includes many items not recycled in other regions. I worry that this change will have a negative impact on our program.

Recycling is all about caring for the environment and reducing waste, but businesses and manufacturers are focused on profits and reducing costs. I don't think they will focus on the best way to recycle or reduce waste, but the most cost effective way of recycling which may not be the best approach.

Additionally, while the government says this will put costs on the businesses producing the waste, in reality they will simply increase the cost of their products, and the consumer will still pay for it.

Instead, can we not tax companies that product a lot of waste/recycling and set limits on packaging.

Every day I see some easy targets in stores for package reduction.
1. Encourage packaging made from 100% recycled paper fibers
2. Eliminate styrofoam in packaging - especially electronics, small appliances, and take out containers
3. Eliminate the sale of bottled water by the case in grocery stores, or heavily tax this wasteful product.
4. Demand that restaurants use compostable take out packaging and ensure municipalities are able to compost it properly. Ideally those products would be made from recycled paper.
5. Eliminate or drastically reduce the amount of plastic packaging in items like toys, electronics and other consumer goods. Many of these items are packaged in plastic because it's cheap and durable, but could easily be packaged in recycled boxboard.
6. Demand that online companies such as amazon use recyclable packaging (many plastic mail pouches are not even recyclable) and that they try to reduce the number of shipments per order. For example, I could order 3 items online in a single order and receive 3 separate packages.

Making sure these reductions happen requires creative regulations, taxes or incentives for manufacturers. Overhauling the recycling system by handing it over to corporations is the lazy, hands off government approach. Instead come up with real measures to hold businesses accountable.

In the end my biggest concern with the existing blue box program is NOT how much it costs me in TAXES. This is not about the money, but about saving the environment. Ontario needs to make sure that it's programs are about the environment too, and NOT about saving money.

Thank you.