This project involves an initial analysis of Quinte’s MRF to determine the source and value of its residue followed by a possible second phase capital investment to reduce residue levels where cost effective. The Phase One analysis will examine the source of Quinte’s residual levels and develop options for reduction and marketing of the material. […]

Harmonization of regional program. Relaunch program with a one time distribution of 60,000 large capacity boxes to residents. Documents Final Report: Relaunch of Blue Box Program Blog Post Related Projects Project #937 Categories    

MRF performance audit to determine the processing efficiency.  Data collected will be used to identify opportunities to improve material flow and reduce material cross contamination leading to increased capture and revenue.  The audit will serve as a diagnostic assessment providing staff with a full list of issues and concerns that can be prioritized according to […]

This project involves the installation of glass clean up equipment in the York MRF. The cost of the project is approximately $1,700,000 and the CIF will contribute up to 48% of costs to support this very worthwhile project. Documents Final Report: Mixed Broken Glass Clean Up System Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, AMO and CIF hosted a workshop for municipal Blue Box recycling program staff to provide them with an initial overview of Bill 151, the Waste-Free Ontario Act. The event was attended in person by approximately 80 municipal staff with an additional 55 in attendance online. Documents Final Report: Bill 151 […]

A cooperative procurement venture to secure high quality Blue Boxes, Recycling Carts and Bags at competitive rates for municipalities, First Nation entities and other authorities charged with the responsibility of delivering Ontario’s residential Blue Box program. Documents Webpage: Cooperative Container Procurement Program Blog Post Related Projects Project #724 Project #724.1 Categories    

To encourage greater participation in the Cooperative Container Procurement Program (Project #478), a 5% reimbursement is provided on a first-come-first-serve basis on container purchases made through the CCPP up to a set annual limit. For each container type, a portion of the subsidy is reserved for programs with 5,000 households or fewer. The subsidy is […]

A Bulk Container Purchasing Tender to secure pricing for Blue Boxes and Carts at a discounted rate for Ontario recycling programs by coordinating the buying efforts of municipalities across Ontario is part of an ongoing initiative by CIF . Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Project #478 Project #724.1 Categories    

A CIF led working group to examine better practices in Blue Box collections and the implications of Bill 151 on municipal collections systems. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves development of an “options analysis” and possible conceptual facility design to address traffic loading issues at the Kenora landfill and public drop-off. Documents Final Report: Kenora Recycling Depot Options Review Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The CIF has made development of cost allocation models a priority to assist municipalities in the accurate development of information for planning purposes. This project is intended to ‘ground truth’ a model developed by CIF for determination of collection costs which represents the majority of Blue Box operating costs. The project is expected to cost […]

Assist with drafting/issue of new recycling collection/processing RFP and conversion of 9 local depots to front end load service. Documents Synopsis RFP: Waste and Recycling Haulage and Recycling Processing Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

A CIF led Multi-Residential Working Group has been established to build upon the foundational aspects established through earlier CIF projects and engage municipalities in current work in this sector.  The group will meet monthly to discuss the costs and program metrics involved in operating Multi-Residential Blue Box programs. This initiative will seek to help better […]

Site upgrades, signage and purchase of 8 yd. FEL bins to replace 40 yd. roll-off bins at 3 municipal depots to reduce shipping costs.  FEL vehicles compact materials producing more tonnes per load and fewer loads shipped to the MRF. Documents Final Report: Depot to Front End Bin Service Implementation Blog Post Related Projects Categories […]

A MRF performance study to determine the processing efficiency of the facility followed by an equipment maintenance study to cross reference operational performance with maintenance records to verify upkeep, repair and replacement efforts needed to meet current and future needs. Documents Final Report: Process/Equipment Review, Material Recycling Centre Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The City of Toronto will carry out a business case analysis of a Mixed Waste Processing (MWP) or ‘dirty MRF’ approach for the management of their increasingly contaminated recycling stream, particularly materials collected through the Multi-Residential (MRes) program. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

On August 14, 2017 the Minister of Environment & Climate Change sent a letter to Stewardship Ontario (SO) and the Resource Productivity Authority requesting they formally initiate a consultation and bring forth a proposal on amending the Blue Box Program Plan (BBPP).  The letter required, among other things, that the plan avoid creating stranded assets […]

Regulatory research to support transition of the Blue Box program in Ontario. Documents Final Report: Measuring Recycling in Ontario Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves transferring the existing CIF RFP training course into an online format to facilitate access to course materials for remote stakeholders. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Under Stewardship Ontario’s proposed amendments to the BBPP, they offered a list of targeted materials that differs materially from those commonly collected by municipalities.  This study looked at the possible impact on adoption of the aBBPP on municipal programs and diversion levels. Documents Final Report: Review of Targeted PPP List in Stewardship Ontario’s Draft Amended […]

The CIF was asked to develop a series of sample committee reports, scoped for use by small and rural municipalities, explaining the anticipated transition of the Blue Box program to an individual producer responsibility system, and providing an update on the current situation once the province announces its plans later in 2019. Documents Synopsis Blog […]

The CIF co-funds waste composition studies across the province annually with Stewardship Ontario.  This project will analyze completed waste composition studies to determine if there is sufficient variability to warrant continued sampling from each of the nine RPRA Datacall groups. Documents Final Report: Analysis of Variability in Waste Composition Studies by RPRA Datacall Grouping Blog […]

During the course of discussions about transition planning, it became apparent that municipalities needed assistance in determining their depot operating costs. The project involved development of a team of qualified consultants to aid municipalities in assessing their overhead administration, operating and capital costs across a range of sites. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories […]

With the announcement of the Province’s plans to prepare to transition the Blue Box Program, demand for CIF support services associated with procurement and contract management activities has been at an all time high.  With this in mind a budget of $15,000 has been set aside to assist municipalities preparing to transition contracted services. Documents […]

In 2021 CIF, in partnership with M3RC, launched a Transition Working Group comprised of five subcommittees. Change Management and Communications makes up one of the five subcommittees. The Change Management and Communications subcommittee will focus on common approaches and tools to support administrators and other stakeholders on pre- and post-transition related issues. Deliverables will include […]

In 2021 CIF, in partnership with M3RC, launched a Transition Working Group comprised of five subcommittees. Fair Compensation makes up one of the five subcommittees. It will focus on pre- and post-transition related issues ensuring that Municipalities/First Nation groups have the tools to accurately assess collection scenarios and report to Council. Deliverables will include data […]

In 2021 CIF, in partnership with M3RC, launched a Transition Working Group comprised of five subcommittees. Data Reporting and Monitoring makes up one of the five subcommittees. The Data Reporting and Monitoring subcommittee will focus on common approaches/tools to assist with data management (i.e., administrative and operational) focused on pre- and post-transition related issues. Deliverables […]

In 2021 CIF, in partnership with M3RC, launched a Transition Working Group comprised of five subcommittees. Post Collections makes up one of the five subcommittees. Post Collections subcommittee will focus on tools to support decisions related to post-collection activities at depots, MRFs and transfer stations focused on pre- and post-transition related issues. Deliverables will include […]

In 2021 CIF, in partnership with M3RC, launched a Transition Working Group comprised of five subcommittees. Contracts makes up one of the five subcommittees. It will focus on collection service and other procurement through to contract development and management prior to transition and in advance of and including the 2023-25 transition period. Deliverables will include […]

York Region proposes to install a Mixed Paper Clean Up System upstream of the finishing screens to remove misdirected containers on the mixed paper sort line.  The Mixed Paper Clean Up System will improve misdirected container recovery prior to the mixed paper line, allowing recovery rate increases  of 1.2%.  Project value is approximately $2,420,000 with […]

Red Lake proposed to build a loading ramp and make modifications to their recycling shed to facilitate loading of their newly acquired compaction trailer for shipping materials to Winnipeg. Documents Final Report: Implementation of Municipally Hauled Recyclables to Winnipeg, Manitoba at Balmertown Waste Disposal Site Blog Post April 12, 2016: Red Lake’s Recycling Transport Upgrades […]

The London MRF has a recurring power factor below the 90% monthly threshold. This low power factor results in increased electricity charges of approximately $10,000 per year. Installation of capacitors would result in the power factor consistently being above the 90% threshold yielding a 4 year payback on the investment. Documents Final Report: London MRF […]

A multi-faceted P&E campaign to address MR residue issues.  Posters, lobby displays, door hangers and building newsletters will be employed to educate residents about the most prevalent contamination problems: 1) Blue Box material inside a tied plastic bag, and 2) tied and loose unsolicited materials. P&E will address proper set-out standards and encourage small changes […]

A financial review and rate setting analysis relating to positioning Timmins as a regional hub for recyclable materials.  This performance audit is designed to determine the useful life remaining in the system and current value. Documents Final Report: Costing Analysis for Transfer Station Recycling Activities Blog Post September 9, 2016: Activity Based Costing Pays Off […]

This project involves a rebuild of Northumberland’s container line and installation of an optical sorter for plastics. The project will cost approximately $950,000 and generate almost $240,000 in savings annually. The CIF will contribute up to $313,000 or 42% of project costs. Documents Final Report: MRF Upgrade – Container Line Retrofit Blog Post October 21, […]

Install new equipment and bunker at the London MRF designed to capture 200 tonnes per year of oversized plastics currently going to residue.  Captured material will be marketed for additional revenue. Documents Final Report: London MRF Upgrade – Oversized Plastics Blog Post November 17, 2016: Marketing Oversized Plastic Containers from London’s MRF Related Projects Categories […]

Development of MRF options & related costs analysis to determine the implications for the City of Hamilton stemming from the 2012 MIPC Study recommendations. The primary focus of the analysis will be to determine the number of tonnes that can realistically be secured and MRF design options. Municipalities directly linked to Hamilton in the 2012 […]

A report documenting the key project learnings particularly those related to installation, cost savings and commodity quality improvement achieved through the installation of a glass clean up system. Documents Final Report: Container Line Performance Audits and Improvement Recommendations Blog Post February 17, 2017: Maximizing Revenues at the City of Hamilton Related Projects Project #816.2 Categories […]

Oxford County multi-media P&E campaign to support the transition to single stream, expanded list of targeted materials and increased collection frequency starting in September 2015.  A significant focus of the campaign will be residue management, which is critical to the successful introduction of a single stream program. Documents Final Report: Oxford County Single Stream Conversion, […]

Guelph proposes to install a new glass clean up system at the Guelph MRF and repurpose its existing glass optical sorter to reduce labour costs for sorting plastics. Guelph will also receive and process glass from other municipalities as part of the agreement with CIF. Project cost of approx. $900,000. CIF will contribute up to […]

This project involves an analysis of depot based collection and processing options for Grey Highlands and surrounding municipalities and funding of supporting infrastructure. The expected cost of the required infrastructure is approximately $125,000 and has a projected payback of 7 years. The CIF will contribute up to $31,250 or 25% of project costs and complete […]

CIF assisted small municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. These projects commenced between 2010 and 2013 and were completed between 2011 and 2016. Documents Addington Highlands, Township of (#503.10) Admaston/Bromley, Township of (#522.10) Alfred and Plantagenet, Township of (604.12) Bancroft, Town of (#607.12) Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan, Township of (#612.12) Casselman, Village of (#571.10) Central Frontenac, Township of (#613.12) […]

Install twin 2800 mm. high definition optical sorters and peripheral equipment required for processing fibre to premium quality revenue levels at rates up to 24t/hr. Documents Final Report: Fibre Optical Sorting System Blog Post August 4, 2017: Niagara Fibre Optical Sorting Success Story Related Projects Categories    

The Township of Southgate has automatic cart collection for curbside using 240 litre carts. CI funding will be used to add households to program, and for larger families and multi-res to use 360 litre in place of 240 litre to increase capacity to capture blue box materials. Documents Final Report: Supply Curbside Collection Containers Blog Post November 14, 2017: […]

This working group is comprised of 8 to 10 municipal representatives who meet regularly to share and discuss useful information.  The goal is to develop tools and resources that will assist Ontario municipalities in gaining a thorough understanding and agreement of the true costs associated with the processing of residential blue box materials and strategies […]

A MRF performance study to determine the processing efficiency of the facility followed by an equipment maintenance study to cross reference operational performance with maintenance records to verify upkeep, repair and replacement efforts needed to meet current and future needs. Documents Final Report: Material Recovery Facility Mass Balance and Efficiency Study Blog Post April 4, […]

The closure of Entropex in the summer of 2016 raised concerns about the stability of the current BB plastics markets.  This project was commissioned by the CIF at a cost of under $20,000 to provide municipalities with up to date info on current markets and their stability. Documents Final Report: Status of Post-Consumer Plastic Packaging […]

Subsequent to introduction of the Green Fence by China, LOM consulting was contracted to complete a review of current plastics markets to assess the risk to MRF operators. Documents Final Report:  The Status of the Markets for Post-Consumer Plastic Packaging Recycling in the USA and Canada Blog Post May 11, 2018: Market Trends for Post-Consumer […]

Engineering to develop a mobile expanded polystyrene densification program that can go from municipality-to-municipality to process EPS and send to market. Documents Final Report: Densification and Recycling of Post-Consumer Polystyrene Packaging Blog Post July 13, 2018: CIF Pilot Project Confirms Expanded Polystyrene Recycling Possible but Challenging Related Projects Project #731 Project #1035 Categories    

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has remained a challenge to manage in the blue box for over 30 yrs. The CIF has funded a number of projects to test centralized and decentralized processing options. This project will build on these past efforts to accurately compare the collection and processing costs and pros/cons of the various options so […]

An analysis of cross contamination and residual levels in Sault Ste. Marie’s split cart program. Documents Final Report: Sault Ste. Marie Single Family Residential Curbside Audit & Inbound Recycling Audit Blog Post August 2, 2018: Sault Ste. Marie and GFL Celebrate 5 Successful Years with Split-Body Cart Recycling Related Projects Categories    

Site upgrades, signage and purchase of 8 yd. FEL bins to replace 40 yd. roll-off bins at 9 municipal depots to reduce shipping costs.  FEL vehicles compact materials producing more tonnes per load and fewer loads shipped to the MRF. Documents Final Report: Roll off to Front End Bin Service Implementation Blog Post September 28, […]

Waterloo Region proposes to upgrade sorting capability in their existing MRF by installing a larger capacity optical sorter, glass extraction unit and main line in-feed conveyor. Documents Final Report: MRF Upgrades Blog Post February 8, 2019: Making Investments in Uncertain Times: ‘How-to’ Advice from Waterloo Region Related Projects Categories    

This project considered development of a new methodology for determining the composite index associated with the CIF Price Sheet. Documents  CIF Ontario Price Sheet Blog Post Related Projects Project #869 Project #779 Categories    

CIF Price Sheet Sensitivity Analysis (#779) examined the accuracy of the CIF Price Sheet in reflecting the rapidly changing value of fibres as a result of implementation of the China Sword program in the spring of 2018.  RSE was contracted to review the methodology for determining individual material values and the resulting composite indices published […]

A multi-media P&E campaign to coincide with the launch of the Region of Peel’s cart based collection program in January 2016.  This P&E campaign includes design, development and production of a variety of marketing tools including (but not limited to) online and print advertisements.  A significant focus of the campaign will be residue management, which […]

A City of Toronto Multi-Residential (MRes) Promotion & Education (P&E) Campaign  to improve diversion and reduce contamination.  This project will establish and prove out best practices for MRes P&E strategies.  A tool-kit will be created and the campaign artwork made available through the CIF website for other municipalities seeking to address similar issues. Documents Final […]

Implementation of the China Sword campaign highlighted issues with the quality of Ontario’s marketed Blue Box fibre and exposure to overseas markets. This study is intended to aid in understanding the current domestic market and its quality requirements as a first step to developing a sustainable domestic market.  The cost of the study was $10,000. […]

In 2019, a supplementary analysis of the market (CIF #799) was undertaken by ReMM to determine if there had been any further change in market conditions. The cost of the supplementary work was $2,345. Documents Final Report: Ontario Fibre Capacity Study Update Presentation: An Assessment of Domestic Fibre Capacity: A response to market changes Blog […]

Durham Region MRF container line redesign and upgrade to accommodate an increased volume of inbound plastics. Documents Final Report: Durham Region MRF Container Line Productivity and Efficiency Upgrade Blog Post October 4, 2019: Maintaining Efficiency & Effectiveness (E&E) with a payback of 2.2 years Related Projects Categories    

This project involves the use of GIS technology to map Muskoka District’s curbside collection service points and link service levels to those data points in anticipation of their upcoming collection rfp. The work is expected to cost approximately $85,000 and is expected to provide prospective bidders with the information needed to accurately bid on the […]

The CIF has funded the development of the CIF Ontario Price Sheet from 2014 to present day. The Price Sheet is a monthly publication that provides pricing trends for various post-consumer recyclable commodities produced by Ontario municipalities. It was produced by Reclay StewardEdge Inc. from 2014 – 2018, and is now produced by EcoCompass Inc. […]

A snapshot analysis of the current market for curbside BlueBox glass was requested by RPWCO members to assess the risk of a market disruption by the unexpected loss of a primary glass processor. Documents Final Report: Glass End Markets Blog Post February 14, 2020: End market options for post-consumer glass Related Projects Categories    

A number of municipalities encountered serious service failures in 2019.  As a result, the CIF was asked to prepare guidance materials on how to develop and implement a contingency plan. Documents  CIF Contingency Plan Guide for Service Disruptions Blog Post April 16, 2020: Guide for Developing a Waste Management Service Contingency Plan now available Related […]

Conduct a MRF efficiency study and install capital improvements based on confirmation upgrades to container residue conveyor and fibre line optical sorter are recommended. Documents Blog Post July 9, 2020: The potential of small upgrades to make a big difference Related Projects Categories    

Expand collection services to all multi-residential sites in the City of Guelph to improve diversion in a cost contained manner and test the efficacy of curotto can vehicles as a tool for early detection and correction of contamination issues in cart-based programs. Documents Final Report: Multi-Residential Recycling Utilizing a Curotto Can Collection Vehicle Blog Post […]

With passage of the Waste Free Ontario Act, Peterborough, like many municipal MRF operators, undertook an options analysis for their facility.  The CIF provided up to $40,000 towards assisting the City with this work. Documents Final Report: Peterborough MRF Conversion Options Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

An analysis of options for the ownership and management of the Kingston MRF in light of the pending changes to the BBPP under the Waste Free Ontario Act. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project will provide insight as to how municipal RFPs for collection and processing might be improved from the perspective of bidders.  The summary report will include discussion of issues/problematic clauses with alternatives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement process which may have applicable learnings to other municipalities in the province. Documents […]

A pilot study designed to quantify the extent to which using gravity locks minimizes contamination rates and lowers recycling service costs for Multi-residential buildings using Front End Loading (FEL) bins.  A cost benefit analysis will be completed.  If the gravity locks prove to be a practice that helps to minimize contamination, a better practice guide […]

This project will test the viability and economics of producing a manufactured soil media, by including processed Blue Box program glass, that works more effectively than the manufactured media currently used to control urban storm-water runoff.  If successful, a substantial and sustainable new market for Blue Box glass could be established. Documents Final Report: Investigating […]

A three-phase study to develop a standardized methodology for evaluating the impact(s) of adding and/or removing materials to/from individual Blue Box programs.  Phase 1 will result in the development of a set of allocation principles through broad public input. Phase 2 will result in a model based on the allocation principles established in the first […]

A continuation of the Activity Based Costing (ABC) modeling work for Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) – CIF Project 924.  This work will allow for further refinement of the principles, methodology, and common data inputs for assessing the true costs of processing of residential blue box material commodities, particularly the costs of processing different material streams […]

The development of a business valuation guide and a business case analysis would be advantageous to municipalities considering questions about future value of assets. Business case financial tools and/or asset valuation methodologies developed for generic use will have significant value for municipalities needing to answer questions about retention or sale of program assets. Documents Final […]

A project to assist the Township of Perry with drafting a new depot hauling and recyclables processing RFP. Documents Final Report: RFP Development Support Request for Proposal: Transportation, Processing and Marketing of Recyclable Material Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Toronto, like many municipalities, is encountering problems with the marketing of its curbside collected EPS.  This pilot explored use of new technology to produce a marketable material.  The CIF contributed $35,000 to this pilot. Documents Final Report: Toronto’s Expanded Polystyrene Densification and Marketing Pilot Blog Post July 13, 2018: CIF Pilot Project Confirms Expanded Polystyrene […]

The Township of Southwold has partnered with the London area MRF for processing and marketing of Blue Box materials collected from residents.  In supporting optimization initiatives in alignment with the MIPC Study, this project provides funding for the purchase of a second blue box for residents to meet the requirements of the City’s two-stream MRF. […]

This study will provide the City with accurate counts for Residential and ICI units using the curbside program. This will provide more accurate data for the RPRA Datacall and help the City fully understand residential costs which will assist in the transition to IPR. Documents Synopsis Blog Post October 24, 2019: Unit Count Studies for […]

Testing of a new roll-off container bin cover system to determine weight impacts of moisture laden fiber products and snow/ice content in depot collected materials. Documents Final Report: Evaluation of Roll-Off Bin Covers Blog Post February 21, 2020: Processing cost savings with covered bins Related Projects Categories    

This project seeks to provide contract management support to Drummond-North Elmsley as they transition to a dual stream program. Documents Synopsis Blog Post August 30, 2018: Two Stream Collection as a Solution to Troublesome Fiber Markets March 1, 2019: Performance impacts: Changing to two stream collection February 1, 2019: Big program change is possible! Related […]

The County of Wellington is developing two toolkits to support decision making with respect to complimentary blue box depot services. Documents Final Report: Behaviors surrounding waste drop off sites Sample Size Calculator Blog Post December 7, 2018: Get help with stats: New CIF tool and example from Wellington County Related Projects Categories    

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) is requesting CIF funding to complete a regional waste management planning strategy. The strategy is intended to aid SDG in identifying their future waste management needs and prepare them for transition of their Blue Box programs. The CIF will contribute approximately $25,000 or 13% of projected […]

A mobile EPS densifier pilot to investigate the potential to minimize some issues that have kept some municipalities from adding this material to their program. The proposed pilot involves a portable unit that will travel from depot to depot in the SW Ontario corridor, manual sortation of collected EPS to meet end market specifications, and […]

The City of London undertook a two-year pilot that will seek to improve the diversion of flexible film and other difficult to recycle plastics using the Hefty® EnergyBag® program promoted by Dow Chemical Company.  The CIF contributed up to $97,000 or 13% of project costs to evaluate collection and processing impacts. Documents Blog Post Related […]

This study will help to develop a better understanding of what constitutes contamination and seek to develop a fair compensation mechanism for defined changes to contamination levels. This information is expected to aid municipalities in effective contract development and management and communicating a consistent, evidence-based response to compensation requests from service providers. Documents Blog Post […]

This study was undertaken at the request of municipalities based on input received during the CIF Strategic Planning consultation process. It will research policy and legal options available to municipalities, such as the use of fees, levies and municipal by-laws to control and/or respond to undesired impacts of producer collection schemes. Documents Blog Post Related […]

The City of Cornwall will undertake an activity-based costing (ABC) study of its MRF operations using the CIF’s ABC model. This study will help the City gain a better understanding of current costs associated with the management of their Blue Box materials and aid the municipality in preparation for transition. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related […]

As part of the development of the next collection contract/RFP, this project seeks to develop a business case for different collection options intended to increase waste diversion rates for the City of Ottawa’s curbside Blue Box program. Documents Blog Post May 24, 2019: A Major Ontario Municipality’s Cost Benefit Analysis for Curbside Waste Collection Policies […]

This project proposes to provide the City of Ottawa with a Solid Waste Master Plan that will guide their management of municipal solid waste over the next 30 years. The Plan will consider their role as the Blue Box Program transitions to IPR. Documents Blog Post April 8, 2021: Public Engagement: Going online only Related […]

Waste studies undertaken by CIF and many municipalities over the years have produced hundreds of waste composition data sets, which are most often utilized and archived independently for each individual project. The purpose of this project is to develop a tool for aggregating, managing, tracking and analyzing these types of datasets. This tool will provide […]

Working with Durham Region, the CIF is auditing litter and moisture related to open blue boxes to measure the effectiveness (cost and impact) of a recycled-tire crumb rubber blue box lid. This study will measure litter, monitor moisture in “lidded” and “unlidded” boxes, assess impact on collection timing, develop a value for litter collection costs, […]

Waste composition studies for year five of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Project #1002 (Year 1) Project #1005 (Year 2) Project #1014 (Year 3) Project #1045 (Year 4) Project #1081 (Year 5) Project #1105 (Year 6) Project #1138 (Year 7) […]

Waste composition studies for year four of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Year 4: 4-Season Residential Waste Composition Study Results (2019/20) Blog Post Related Projects Project #1002 (Year 1) Project #1005 (Year 2) Project #1014 (Year 3) Project #1045 (Year 4) Project #1081 (Year […]

Waste composition studies required to fulfill year three of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Results Summary Report: CIF/SO Terms of Reference Year 3 Residential Waste Composition Study Blog Post March 5, 2020: Third year of waste composition studies gives valuable insights Related Projects Project […]

Waste composition studies required to fulfill year two of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Summary Report: CIF/SO Terms of Reference Year 2 4-Season Residential Waste Composition Study Results Blog Post November 9, 2018: Waste Composition Study Results Available Now: Essential Reading for Blue Box […]

Waste composition studies required to fulfill year one (2016) of the WDO Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Summary Report: CIF/SO Terms of Reference Year 1 4-Season Residential Waste Composition Study Results Blog Post December 8, 2017: CIF Publishes Year One Report of Provincial Waste Composition Studies Related Projects […]

Waste composition studies for year six of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Project #1002 (Year 1) Project #1005 (Year 2) Project #1014 (Year 3) Project #1045 (Year 4) Project #1081 (Year 5) Project #1105 (Year 6) Project #1138 (Year 7) […]

Development of a windup plan for the CIF at RPRA’s request and in accordance with the Minister’s direction to wind up the Blue Box Program Plan.  The total cost of development of the draft plan and associated consultation process is estimated to be $35,000 plus tax. Documents CIF Windup Plan (December 2020) Blog Post December […]

Niagara Region is proposing to install a 48 inch eccentric field Eddy current unit to replace the existing 30 inch concentric field unit and capture more aluminum that currently ends up as contamination in the mixed plastics and to improve the quality of the aluminum product from 8% contamination to under 2% contamination.  CIF will […]

Niagara Region proposes to install a glass cleanup system to clean up to 3,000 tonnes of recovered glass product to a level suitable for feedstock for a glass crushing mill that produces glass shot for the sandblasting industry.  The system will cost $225,000 and will result in a revenue of $84,000 annually compared to current […]

Niagara Region applied to install an expanded polystyrene (EPS) densifier to increase the value of their mixed plastics stream and to reduce the costs and improve the efficiencies associated with shipping the low density EPS materials.   CIF will contribute up to 39% or $23,400 to this project. Documents Final Report: EPS Densifier Niagara Region Blog […]

As a follow up to the depot cost analysis work undertaken under CIF Project #758, Peel Region requested that CIF complete an ABC study of their depot operations to ground truth the previous study’s results.  The scope includes an in-depth analysis of two of Peel’s sites plus a desktop analysis of their remaining four sites. […]

As a follow up to the depot cost analysis work undertaken under CIF Project #758 and the ABC study conducted at Peel Region’s depots, CIF Project #1133, this project examined the cost of managing obligated materials under the future PPP regulation(s) at their sites. The completed work is expected to cost approximately $10,000. Documents Blog […]

Waste composition studies for year seven of the RPRA (formally WDO) Terms of Reference.  Funding partners are Stewardship Ontario and the CIF. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Project #1002 (Year 1) Project #1005 (Year 2) Project #1014 (Year 3) Project #1045 (Year 4) Project #1081 (Year 5) Project #1105 (Year 6) Project #1138 (Year 7) […]

CIF continues to offer support services associated with procurement and contract management activities.  A budget of $30,000 has been set aside in 2021 to assist municipalities preparing to transition contracted services. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This study examines the relative costs to manage Blue Box contamination at the curb using driver labour versus at the MRF using sorter labour. Documents Final Report: Recycling Contamination Study Summary of Findings Blog Post September 6, 2018: CIF Explores Curbside Contamination Reduction in Barrie Related Projects Categories    

A study designed to quantify the extent to which tagging and leaving behind contaminated carts minimizes residue rates and lowers blue box costs.  A cost benefit analysis will be completed.  If the approach proves to be a practice that helps to minimize contamination, a better practice guide will be developed. Documents Final Report: Curbside Recycling […]

A study designed to quantify the extent to which tagging and leaving behind contaminated FEL Bins at Multi-Residential buildings minimizes residue rates and lowers blue box costs.  A cost benefit analysis will be completed.  If the approach proves to be a practice that helps to minimize contamination, a better practice guide will be developed. Documents […]

A pilot project to determine the efficacy of vinyl wraps on front end loading bins as a P&E tool used to help increase recycling know-how thereby achieving increased diversion and decreased residue. The extent, to which the vinyl wraps lower the incidence of graffiti due to its anti-graffiti sealant will also be measured. Documents Final […]

Temiskaming Shores is implementing an enhanced residue management strategy.  The P&E tactics will remind residents of the new municipal by-law which permits the contractor to leave behind overly contaminated carts and City staff to levy fines against repeat offenders. Documents Final Report: Cart Program Residue Management Plan & Toolkit Blog Post Related Projects Categories   […]

Development of a toolkit to assist in determining optimal waste composition study sample sizes and stratification amongst socio-demographic and program factors. Documents Final Report: Residential Audit Sample Optimization Toolkit Blog Post June 25, 2020: Understanding the Complexities of Waste Audits Related Projects Categories    

Analysis and summary of 2-stream recycling audit data from Medium Urban and Rural Regional WDO groupings undertaken from 2016-2020. Documents Final Report: 2-Stream Recycling Composition Audit Data Analysis: Medium Urban and Rural Regional Municipal Groups Blog Post June 19, 2020: Waste audit analysis assists the City and County of Peterborough Related Projects Categories    

The objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Toronto’s waste composition audit data to identify material trends over the years. This project also aims to measure the impact of light-weighting on the City’s diversion rate, as the weight of waste continues to decline while the volume of waste increases. Documents Project […]

Simcoe County is conducting a round of four-season residential curbside waste audits. The audit will provide baseline data and results will be included in future planning for blue box program expansion/improvements as well as targeted P&E campaigns. Documents Final Report: 2015 County of Simcoe 4-Season Waste Composition Studies Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The audit will indicate the current SF diversion and participation rates. Results will be compared to previous data. In addition to measuring performance, the data will help plan effective SF programs and communications. Documents Final Report: Single Family Curbside Waste and Participation Audit Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

A four season waste composition audit to monitor effectiveness of waste management programs. Documents Final Report: 2015/16 Seasonal Low-Density Residential Dwelling Curbside Waste Composition Study Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

To measure the effectiveness of three initiatives in Halton’s 2012-2016 Solid Waste Management Strategy and their impact on the capture of Blue Box materials in both single family and multi-family residential households. Documents Project Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Phasing in Every Other Week (EOW) garbage collection is expected to reduce garbage generated and increase blue box recycling. This baseline 100 HH two season audit will gather data against which the EOW collection can be measured. Documents Final Report: Two-Season Waste Composition Studies Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

A reference document for planning composition studies (audits) of Blue Box recyclables received at a municipal material recycling facility (MRF) or at a contracted (third party/private sector) MRF. Documents MRF Audit Guide Project Synopsis Blog Post September 1, 2016: What’s in your MRF Material Related Projects Categories    

A waste composition study was undertaken at Algonquin Highland’s four, two stream recycling depots to obtain baseline data on the composition and contamination of the township’s Blue Box waste stream in anticipation of development of a new collection and processing tender. The project demonstrated that historical assumptions about the township’s contamination level were incorrect and […]

A waste composition audit guide was developed at the request of a small rural community. This guide is intended to assist small municipalities in completion of a curbside waste audits using internal staff resources. Documents Guide: Curbside Waste Audits: Considerations for Small Communities Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

In the spring of 2012 the KRC secured funds from SO to co-fund a series of 4 season curbside single-family waste composition audits in cooperation with selected municipalities. The project also included funding from SO to complete a series of MRF bale and residue audits and analysis of composite paper packaging fate in MRFs to […]

Support to purchase, distribute and provide P&E for larger sized residential recycling container. Program to add capacity at the curbside and provide support for distribution and P&E. Documents Final Report: Region of Durham Large Blue Box Container Study Summary Report: Durham Region Additional Complimentary Blue Box Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project explores the rationale for forming of a waste diversion cooperative amongst a group of municipalities to reduce costs, improve their best practice performance and consolidate elements of their individual programs through joint program management. The project will develop a road map and cost analysis for program transition at an estimated cost of $10,000. […]

The objective of the North-Eastern Ontario: Service Delivery Model Option Development & Evaluation is to complete a detailed analysis of cost implications and feasibility of the recommendations outlined in the MIPC commissioned Study of the Optimization of the Blue Box Material Processing System in Ontario (June 2012). Local analysis will be applied and the interest […]

Support for the development of a cooperative recycling services RFP for the Towns of Renfrew and Arnprior to meet best practice. Documents RFP: Tender Call for Recyclable Material Collection, Processing and Marketing Services Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

A co-operative planning effort for First Nations Communities (15+) in the Sudbury Region to develop and implement recycling programs in the communities without current programs and  meet best practice in the communities that have a recycling program. Documents Final Report: Sudbury Area First Nation Recycling Program Implementation Evaluation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Piloting of the CIF Recycling Planning Guideline and Template. Seven municipalities in Lambton County requested assistance from CIF with plan development and agreed to pilot the new planning template. Documents Final Report: A Waste Recycling Strategy for Sarnia, Point Edward, St. Clair, Petrolia, and Enniskillen Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Completed project to examine the potential to develop a cooperative BB recycling program in the eastern Lake Superior area; undertaken by the CIF at the request of the Town of Wawa. Documents Final Report: Recycling Program Implementation Evaluation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Support proponent communities in joint evaluation of a multi-municipal recycling RFP and investigate viability of developing a transfer station. Documents Final Report: Recycling Contract Development and Transfer Evaluation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Support for the development of a co-operative RFP for recycling services for the municipalities within Lanark County: Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley Twp, Beckwith Twp, Montague Twp, Tay Valley Twp, and Lanark Highlands Twp. Documents Final Report: Lanark County Municipal Waste Group Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The objective of this project was to review the options for implementing blue box recycling along the North Shore of Lake Superior from Dorion to Manitouwadge. The evaluation considered a number of program implementation options for the participating communities.  The recommended approach is to share the cost of a vehicle for curbside collection in the […]

Assist with drafting/issue of new joint recycling collection/processing RFP/Tender. Documents Final Report: Multi-Municipality Recycling RFP/Tender and Promotion & Education Material Project Blog Post February 15, 2109: A Multi-Municipal Initiative: RFP and P&E Development Related Projects Categories    

Developed cooperative recycling plan for 6 rural municipalities surrounding City of Thunder Bay (Townships of Gilles, O’Connor, Oliver-Paipoonge, Neebing, Conmee & Shuniah). Documents Final Report: Moving on Diversion: A Recyclable Material Diversion Plan Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Implementation of a cooperative promotion and education program that was recommended in CIF Project #102 report. Project includes the development of a common communications plan and promotion material. Documents Final Report: Development of Waste Management Communications Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The CIF is offering a training session on the IPR Transition Financial Planning Model (See Project #1115/1116). Training will provide an overview of inputs for the model and outline the utility of outputs with respect to future cost considerations. The model aims to identify the financial implications of transitioning to IPR on various dates in […]

In preparing for the impact of the Waste Free Ontario Act, the County of Frontenac wishes to develop opportunities to work with its municipalities to explore a regional approach to waste diversion. Documents Final Report: Waste Management Review Blog Post June 21, 2019: Four Townships and a County: A Waste Management Review Related Projects Categories […]

The CIF has contracted the University of York to complete a review of its over 500 completed projects to determine what additional better practices, trends and other learnings may be gleaned from the Fund;s efforts over the past seven years of operations. The project has an upset limit of approximately $40,000 and is funded solely […]

A study designed to quantify the extent to which the approach of repeated P&E messaging brings residents into alignment with the requested set out behaviour at multi-residential buildings to minimize residue rates and lower blue box costs. A cost benefit analysis will be completed.  If the approach proves to be a practice that helps to […]

In previous years, the CIF has funded municipalities to develop, test and adopt new clauses and better practices in procurement and contract management activities.  In 2019, the CIF will continue to provide direct support and resources to assist municipalities with these important functions on an ‘as needed’ basis. A budget of $40,000 has been set […]

As the nature of the Blue Box program plan and delivery evolve, the contract management essentials course provides the foundation in the development of an effective contract management plan for an existing contract. The course also provides an understanding of what may be expected as a contract manager under a steward organization. Documents Blog Post […]

Develop and facilitate a municipal one day training course/ workshop outlining the Best Practices for the development of a municipal recycling collection, processing and marketing RFP. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The CIF maintains a list of better practice clauses for various RFPs and contracts. The database is in the process of being updated and improved based on feedback from stakeholders. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Expand curbside recycling collection to new residential development; support for communications and recycling boxes. Documents Final Report: Blue Box Curbside Expansion to unserviced condo development Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves development and delivery of a one day course on contract management for municipal staff dealing with contracts. The course is an abridged version of the 2 day contract management course developed under the E&E fund and was consolidated based on feedback received from municipal staff. The cost for development was approximately $20,000. […]

A project to assist Brant County with drafting a new collection/processing RFP. Documents Synopsis Final Report: 2017 Collection Contract Preparation Blog Post July 21, 2017: Brant County RFP Success Story Related Projects Categories    

This project involved providing municipalities with support to develop RFPs and contracts with the potential for transition to IPR in mind and assisting those dealing with contract management issues resulting from current market conditions. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Provision of assistance to M3RC (thru AMO) and other stakeholders in the development of transitional contract clauses for use in support of the proposed aBBPP. Documents Synopsis Blog Post April 4, 2019: Contract Clauses to Prepare Municipalities for Transition Related Projects Categories    

A pilot study at the County of Dufferin to evaluate the cost and amount of effort required to debag bagged curbside recyclables. The results of the study will help determine whether or not bagged recyclables should be debagged at the curb or at the MRF. Included in the project is an evaluation of debagging logistics […]

This project involves testing the cost and effectiveness of source separating Blue Box glass at the curb to eliminate the negative impacts on MRF processing and to evaluate the implications on collection costs and marketing revenue. The CIF contributed up to $44,265 or 50% of costs. Documents Final Report: Segregated Curbside Glass Collection Pilot Blog […]

This project involves modeling of standard hauling and transfer metrics to the Eastern Ontario wasteshed to determine how best to optimize the existing infrastructure and to assist the CIF in making informed decisions on capital investments in the area. An upset limit of $3,000 was established for this phase of the project. Documents Synopsis Blog […]

A report developed by the CIF Multi-Residential Working Group (MRWG) to provide decision-making guidance to help municipalities determine and negotiate their long-term multi-residential service delivery role in an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) environment. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The County of Northumberland is transitioning from a bag-based single-stream program to two-stream blue box collection. This project provides assistance in purchasing blue boxes and delivering a promotion and education campaign to usher in the new program. Documents Blog Post August 30, 2018: Two Stream Collection as a Solution to Troublesome Fiber Markets May 1, […]

This project provides assistance to the Township of Drummond-North Elmsley for the purchase and distribution of a second Blue Box and a promotion & education campaign to support transition to a two-stream alternating week collection program. The second Blue Box will provide additional capacity to store materials between two week collection cycles. Documents Final Report: […]

The CIF is proposing to carry out an initiative to collect, consolidate, and distill information on next generation recycling collection and processing technologies. Municipalities and their contractors have invested millions in capital assets that must be routinely upgraded to meet new operating challenges. The research and information sharing opportunities proposed as part of this initiative […]

This project seeks to support the City of Cornwall with their recyclable material collection process and MRF processing by identifying the gaps and opportunities for improvement. This includes applicable activities and contract language required to provide efficient and effective operations by a contractor(s). This project will also assist the City to ensure their operations are […]

A project to assist the City and County of Peterborough with joint RFP development and current contract assistance. Documents Final Report: RFP Development Draft RFP: Collection and Transportation of Recyclable Material Blog Post April 18, 2016: Success in Establishing New Contracts in a Time of Change Related Projects Categories    

Strong Township requested the CIF’s assistance to complete an ‘options analysis’ that would allow it to position itself in light of Bill 151 and consider partnership opportunities available in the area.  The total cost of the analysis was under $7k. Documents Final Report: Material Recovery Facility Review Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The purpose of this study was to review the performance of Niagara Region’s MRF operations relative to similar operations to provide guidance to the Region in decisions related to contract management of the facility, long term planning in light of the results of the MIPC Optimization Study and future investments. The cost of the study […]

This project will provide Toronto with an accurate account of its’ total cost of blue box services; outline a number of the key considerations during implementation and transition to EPR; and provide Activity Based Costing tools for use in Toronto and across the Province. Documents EPR Analysis Template for Municipalities Instructions for EPR Template Blog […]

Data inputs and ground truthing of Transition Planning Model (Project #1115) for consideration of operational and financial implications from 2023-2025. Documents Excel Model: Transition Planning Model Blog Post June 5, 2020: Financial model assists in identifying preferred transition date Related Projects Project #1115 Project #1132 Categories    

The Municipal Depot Working Group is a CIF led working group established to provide support and resources to municipalities operating or planning depots. Documents Final Report: Comparison of Recycling Depot Costs Depot Costing Model Blog Post August 27, 2020: A comparison of municipal Blue Box recycling depot costs Related Projects Project #1133 Project #1134 Categories   […]

Enhancements of Transition Planning Model for consideration of operational and financial implications from 2023-2025.  Final model posted under Project #1116. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Project #1116 Project #1132 Categories    

This project seeks to develop an integrated curbside waste collection model for the consideration of future collection service options for the City of Ottawa in light of the transition to 100% EPR of the Blue Box program. Documents Integrated Curbside Waste Collection Model Development: Technical Memorandum Synopsis Collection Options Analysis Model Blog Post July 17, […]

This project aims to provide the City of Barrie with an understanding of what the a-BBPP and the broader move towards IPR means for them and their residents from a financial and operational sense. Watch this two-minute video of municipal staff explaining why Council decided to fund a major Activity Based Costing project. Documents Synopsis […]

The City of London will be releasing a Request for Proposals in the summer of 2018 for comprehensive recycling services (collection, processing and marketing of recyclables). This project seeks to include clauses and procedures that will guide the purchasing process and eventual contractual agreement under transition to full producer responsibility of the Blue Box program. […]

This project expands on the work started and completed under the Region’s CIF Projects #993 and #1017. The project will utilize the formal Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP) process to solicit offers from the market to determine the best course of action for the Region and its MRF. Documents Blog Post Related Projects Project #993, […]

A cost contained diversion rate improvement for the Town of Hearst achieved through an increase in the collection service level from depot based to automated curbside collection and the construction of a transfer station. Documents Blog Post September 6, 2019: Town of Hearst improves diversion and contain costs in a small municipal program Related Projects […]

The goal of this project is to field test existing CIF costing tools to determine program costs and then design internal accounting controls required for municipalities to actively track and report these costs. Documents Final Report: Small Municipality Full Cost Accounting Toolkit Small Municipality Full Cost Accounting Toolkit Blog Post May 10, 2019: CIF launches […]

Project to connect recycling compactors to hydro grid at Township landfill site to provide cost savings. Documents Final Report: York Street Transfer Site – Compactor Hydro Upgrade Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Depot infrastructure upgrades, signage and installation of two stationary compactors to replace 40 yd. roll-off bins at Dungannon depot to reduce shipping costs. Documents Final Report: Dungannon Waste Disposal Site Upgrades Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project will save shipping costs by compacting 2 stream recyclable materials. Compacting increases the tonnage per load and reduces the annual number of loads shipped to the MRF. Documents Final Report: Highlands East Depot Upgrades Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The City of Stratford will be releasing a Request for Proposals in the summer of 2018 for comprehensive recycling services (collection and processing of recyclables). This project seeks to include clauses and procedures that will guide the purchasing process and eventual contractual agreement under transition to full producer responsibility of the Blue Box program. Documents […]

A project to produce checklists, tools and/or asset valuation methodologies applicable to non-standard program operating structures designed to have Province-wide value for those groups, as well as conventional municipal programs operating non-contract, in-house, waste diversion programs. Documents Final Report: Municipally Operated MRFs: Blueprint for Full Producer Responsibility Transition Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The development of a business valuation guide and a business case analysis would be advantageous to municipalities considering questions about future value of assets. Business case financial tools and/or asset valuation methodologies developed for generic use will have significant value for municipalities needing to answer questions about retention or sale of program assets. Documents Synopsis […]

Fort Frances proposes the installation of two compaction units and the purchase of 4 forty cubic yard compactor bins to accommodate their single stream blue box materials for shipment to the MRF in Winnipeg.  This arrangement will also simplify depot and transfer operations, avoiding issues with outside storage of blue box materials in open bins.  […]

This project involves assessing the market value of Northumberland’s MRF in anticipation of the possible transition of the BBPP in Ontario. Documents Synopsis Blog Post October 2, 2018: CIF Completes MRF Equipment Valuation in Northumberland County Related Projects Categories    

This project is a small retrofit to one of the solar compaction systems at the Township of Whitestone’s busiest depots to address wintertime battery draw down issues. If successful, it will reduce generator operating costs and provide information of value to similar systems across Ontario. The cost of the project will be approximately $10,000 and […]

This Full Cost Accounting Study will develop a data acquisition template that can be used for other municipalities.  A common methodology leveraged through the template to capture full costs will benefit the broad municipal sector as the new legislation is enacted and policy statements are developed. Documents Final Report: York Region Full Cost Accounting Study […]

With passage of the Waste Free Ontario Act, Norfolk is considering the future of their MRF operations.  As an initial step, the County undertook a feasibility study to examine the potential to re-purpose the site.  The CIF provided up to $14,500 to assist the County with this work. Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories […]

Waterloo Region’s multi-media Blue Box Program Re-launch P&E campaign to coincide with the bag limit reduction from the current 10 to a maximum of 4 per set out (reducing to 3 within 2 years) starting in March 2017.  A significant focus of the campaign will be residue management, which is critical to the successful introduction […]

Purchase of compaction unit for mixed containers at Tri-R Facility (Armour Township, Town of Burks Falls, & Ryerson Township).  Compaction will improve transfer haul cost effectiveness and other operational efficiencies. Documents Final Report: Compactor Cost Savings Blog Post March 22, 2018: Armour Township Stays Proactive Amidst Changing Conditions Related Projects Categories    

The development of an asset valuation guide and a business case analysis would be advantageous to municipalities considering questions about future value of assets. Business case financial tools and/or asset valuation methodologies developed for generic use will have significant value for municipalities needing to answer questions about retention or sale of program assets. Documents Synopsis […]

Preparation for the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for collection services for the City of Vaughan including: the development of a Multi-Residential (MRes) collection service policy best practice; refinement of CIF’s existing MRes database resource; third party review of change of law and, or EPR-specific terms, as well as other established RFP best […]

Conversion of current depot operations from open top rolloff collection to 8yd bins collected by a rear loading compactor truck. The conversion is expected to cost approx. $70,000 and will receive 47% funding from CIF with a payback of approx. 8 years. Documents Final Report: Blue Box Depot Collection – Front End Bin Implementation Blog […]

Peel Region will integrate RFID technology on garbage & recycling containers with on-board weigh scales on all collection vehicles. The overall project goal is to position the region to monitor generation quantities and implement a user pay system for multi-residential waste collection. Documents Final Report: RFID Integration with On-Board Weigh Scales Blog Post July 6, 2018: Using RFID Waste […]

Installation of co-mingled solar compactors at Sioux Narrows two depots. The installation is expected to cost approx. $167,000 and will receive 43% funding from CIF with a payback of under 6 years. Documents Final Report: Sioux Narrows Compaction Bins Blog Post Related Projects Categories  

The operation of compaction systems at remote sites is challenging because of the need to manually cycle the units. Sequin Township proposes to test a new means of automating these systems and insulating the hydraulic system to reduce winter heating costs. The proposed retrofits will cost $16,000 with CIF contributing up to 41% subject to […]

Installation of fibre and container solar compactors at Algonquin Highlands Dorset transfer station. The installation is expected to cost approx. $158,000 and will receive 43% funding from CIF with a payback of under 6 years. Documents Final Report: Dorset Drop-Off Transfer Site Solar Compactors Blog Post December 2, 2016: Will a Compactor Cut Your Costs? […]

The Town of Kearny is switching to a clear bags policy for incoming garbage to the municipal waste management site.  This project will provide funding to share in the cost of implementing the P&E described in the new CIF Clear Bag toolkit and builds on the success of neighbouring Township McMurrich Monteith.  P&E to include: […]

The CIF has funded a large number of compactor systems across Ontario to optimize the shipment of recyclables. The purpose of this guide is to summarize the learnings of project partners so that municipalities considering the installation of compaction systems can benefit from past projects. The cost of the guide is expected to be under […]

Increasing collection capacity in multi-residential buildings to best practice levels (1 cart for every 7 units or 50L/unit). For this project, the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet launched a cart service program to address broad inconsistencies – in collection containers and materials collected – in its MR sector. To create a uniform program for its […]

In preparation for transition under the new provincial EPR legislation, members of the LaCloche Foothills Municipal Association and neighbouring municipalities propose to complete an analysis of member costs and program performance; and development of a landfill cost model to inform their decisions about prioritizing diversion activities.  The project deliverable is expected to serve as a […]

Conversion of current depot operations from open top rolloff collection to 8yd bins collected by a rear loading compactor truck. The conversion is expected to cost approx. $67,000 and will receive 51% funding from CIF with a payback of under 6 years. Documents Final Report: Conversion to Rear Bin Packer Collection Blog Post August 26, […]

This initiative is designed to standardize Multi-Residental (MR) collection amongst Quinte Waste Solutions (QWS) municipal partners. In-unit recycling bags (30-|) will be supplied to buildings to bring the storage capacity up to the recommended Best Practice levels. As part of the initiative, P&E tactics addressing residual and sorting issues will be developed and tested at […]

To facilitate transfer operations between Kenora, Dryden and municipalities that transfer Blue Box materials through the Dryden operation, Kenora has proposed purchase of an additional 110 yd³ compaction trailer with the same configuration as the two existing trailers currently serving that route.  The additional trailer will eliminate deadhead runs with empty trailers back and forth […]

Red Lake is proposing to purchase a 110 yd³ trailer with an internal, hydraulically operated compactor unit and to pay for 33% of the costs of a highway tractor to facilitate transfer of Blue Box materials from Red Lake to Winnipeg.  The highway tractor will be used for other municipal duties including garbage and aggregate […]

A series of seasonal waste audits to understand current behaviour in multi-residential buildings and monitor/measure the effectiveness of selected multi-residential P&E campaigns and targeted training for selected building superintendents. In this two-part project, the City of Toronto delivers a comprehensive series of waste composition studies to better understand its MR demographic, and pilots the CIF Recycling […]

Delivery of a P&E campaign to increase participation and diversion rates. In an attempt to increase participation in depot recycling, the Township installed new signage at three sites, including directional signage. Signage provided clear instructions on what was accepted at each location. Documents Final Report: Small Program P&E Plan Implementation Blog Post Related Projects Categories […]

The City of Cornwall has 200 multi-res buildings.  Cornwall will implement multi-res best practices including:  complete site visits, update database, increase recycling cart capacity, develop and deliver new P&E materials. Alongside the implementation of standard best practices (creating and maintaining a database, benchmarking and monitoring, improving bin capacity, and providing P&E materials), the City of […]

Increase depot storage capacity from 16-yd bins to 18 top load 40-yd bins, so as to reduce haulage costs by reducing the number of annual collections required. Goal to reduce hauling costs for recyclables by investing in 18 top loading 40 yd3 roll-off containers. Resulted in 53% reduction in annual hauls. Other benefits are that […]

CIF assisted smaller municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. West Nippissing used fliers and new signage to reduce contamination and increase participation rates. Participation increased from 50% to 62% and tonnage increased 10%. Documents Final Report: Small Program P&E Plan Implementation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

The intent of this initiative is to deliver a comprehensive tool designed to provide municipal councilors and staff with key information, case studies and an implementation road map prior to approval of a clear bag program. Documents Final Report: Clear Bag Garbage Program Implementation Toolkit: A municipal step-by-step guide Blog Post Related Projects Categories   […]

This project involves the installation of compaction systems for fibres and containers at four of Sequin Township’s busiest depots to reduce hauling costs. The system is expected to cost approximately $450,000 and achieve a project payback of approximately 4 years. The CIF will contribute approx $210,000 or 47% funding. Documents Final Report: Installation of Compactor […]

This project involves the installation of compaction systems for fibres and containers at three of Muskoka District’s busiest depots to reduce hauling costs. The system is expected to cost approximately $390,000 and achieve a project payback of approximately 7 years. The CIF will contribute approx $166,000 or 43% funding. Documents Final Report: Compactors for Recyclable […]

CIF assisted smaller municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. McNab/Braeside installed new signage at the recycling depot with goal of reducing contamination and increasing diversion. New signs reduced contamination fines and lowered staff time spent sorting recyclables. Documents Final Report: Small Program P&E Plan Implementation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Upgrading the depot/transfer area for blue box recyclables at the Noelville Landfill. Project will allow for use of 3 roll-off bins for the collection and storage of recyclables. This will enable the municipality to lower transportation costs of the recyclables to the processing facility in Sudbury. The project included constructing concrete loading ramp, installing asphalt […]

This project involves construction of a new public service drop off depot at the EWSWA regional landfill. The depot will provide residents with ‘one stop’ drop off of MHSW, WEEE, white goods and blue box recyclables. The facility is expected to divert an additional 200MT of recyclables from surrounding communities at a total cost of […]

In-unit Blue Bags will be provided to Multi-residential households to provide capacity to store and transport recyclables. The bags will be large capacity (9 gallons) with full-colour photo graphics to provide recycling information. Documents Final Report: Multi-residential Recycling: Implementing Best Practices City of London Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

City of London will focus on increasing their cart to unit ratio to 1:7 and will introduce cardboard bin collection. The project will also implement multi-res best practices (update database, site visits, performance monitoring, new P&E) and delivery out-reach activities to buildings. This report features a campaign delivered by the City of London that increased recycling service by […]

Waterloo will ‘relaunch’ their multi-res program.  The project will implement best practices (update database, site visits, performance monitoring, new p&e, increase number of carts).  Will distribute in-unit containers to all multi-res households. In this Region of Waterloo project, the following best practices were implemented: conducting site visits to assess recycling performance (benchmarking); providing adequate bin capacity; identifying the […]

CIF assisted smaller municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards implemented a communication plan to increase depot recycling, including new signage to help residents know where/what is recyclable. The signs indicate sorting requirements with images and text based support. Blue Box diversion rate increased from 22% to 28%. Documents […]

Killarney wishes to extend its recycling program to its public space by purchasing five twinned recycling and garbage bins for placement in public areas. Previous public space recycling efforts resulted in illegal dumping, high contamination and unsightly litter. The placement of twinned bins will help to solve previous problems by being collected daily and being […]

The City of St. Thomas is implementing an open space recycling program in the downtown area and a number of parks and public spaces throughout the City. Following and implementing best practice for open space recycling, the City will be installing collection containers, signage and undertaking a P&E campaign to promote the program to residents. […]

This project represents the second phase of the City’s efforts to convert their parks to autcart collection and includes innovative features such as domed lids with openings in the side of the lid to reduce rain and snow collection while keeping the cart lid locked down.  The total project is over $765,000 with a projected […]

City of Toronto waste management staff have assumed responsibility of waste management services throughout the City and are implementing automated cart collection of waste and recyclables to improve collection efficiencies.  They are also trialing new container designs in an effort to reduce contamination.  The total cost of the project is estimated to be over $212,000 […]

Install compaction bins to collect recyclables at the drop off depot. Compaction bins will reduce number of hauls to the transfer facility and significantly reduce the transportation costs. Documents Final Report: Compaction Bins for Municipal Transfer Station Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Visual inspections at MR buildings to determine average density factors & benchmark recycling performance.This report outlines the method and variables considered in the development of a tool to assist municipalities in benchmarking and measuring multi-residential recyclables in the absence of weight scale data (per building and overall). Documents Final Report: Container Density Factors Blog Post Related […]

Peel Region will implement multi-res best practices: complete site visits, update database, increase recycling cart capacity, develop and deliver new P&E materials. The Region will also implement KPMG best practices and transition to a front-end bin system at larger buildings. Over a timespan of 5 years, Peel Region boosted its MR program by introducing numerous enhancement initiatives within […]

City of Barrie has 280 multi-res buildings and 7,500 units.  Barrie will implement best practices including:  complete site visits, update database, increase recycling cart capacity, develop and deliver new P&E materials. In this best practices initiative, the City of Barrie: increased container space per building to meet the recommended ratio of 1 cart for every 7 units; increased […]

Strategy discusses the plan to install eight additional solar powered compactors in depots and the associated costs. Recommendations include purchasing additional compactors for depots, dropping bag limits to one and modifying depot hours to better accommodate seasonal population.   Documents Final Report: Waste Recycling Strategy for the District Municipality of Muskoka Blog Post Related Projects […]

CIF assisted smaller municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. North Frontenac’s goal was to increase tonnage and reduce contamination of recyclables, standardize the program and increase participation by seasonal population and tourists. P&E targeted cottagers and campers using billboards and laminated posters and provided brochures at the depot. Bags of recyclables increased […]

This project involves the installation of two solar powered compactor at the McDougall Township Landfill to capture corrugated cardboard currently being landfilled by residents.  The compactors are solar powered with the capability to be hooked up with 110V or single phase back up. Their usage will allow the capture of an additional 300 tonnes/yr of material at an estimated 25% […]

Installation of signage at one of Meaford’s two public drop offs to improve sortation and general communication with the public. Developed signage at the entrance of the transfer station and in front of and/or hung on appropriate waste collection containers highlighting materials to be placed in that container. Has resulted in increased efficiency of movement […]

Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority partnered with the City of Windsor to establish a containers only recycling program in three separate public spaces throughout the city.  Project implementation costs are estimated to be approximately $187,000.  CIF funding of almost $75,000 (40% funding) was provided for this project with an expected payback of approximately 5 years. […]

Development of a public space recycling program though the City Downtown and waterfront areas as part of a redevelopment project.  The program will utilize solar powered compaction bins for collection of materials to try the technology and lower costs for collection. Installed 16 solar powered self-compacting Big Belly Bins for recyclables which has resulted in […]

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is North America’s largest social housing agency with 58,000 units in 330 buildings. Project to create recycling rooms in 25 buildings by retrofitting moving rooms; includes improving security, upgrading ventilation systems and lighting, installing bumpers, convex mirrors, signage etc. Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) delivered an initiative to increase recycling rates in some of its […]

The City of Peterborough continues to develop its recycling system throughout its public spaces.  This current project involves the twinning of garbage and container only recycling containers along local trails in the City.  The project cost is expected to be approx $16,400 with CIF contributing up 41% of project costs. Introduced recycling bins in trails […]

This project will support municipal development of workshops for multi-residential building staff & management in two areas: 1. Train-the-trainer workshop for municipal staff (CIF will run two workshops) and 2. Funding for municipalities to implement workshops. In an effort to reach council’s goal of 65% diversion, Niagara Region developed a Multi-Residential Waste Reduction Workshop for […]

McMurrich/Monteith is purchasing a set of used compactors from a neighbouring municipality to improve transportation efficiencies in hauling materials to market.  The total project cost is $46,000.  Savings of over $8,000/yr are expected.  They have received $20,677 in funding from the CIF.   Documents Final Report: McMurrich/Monteith Compactors Project Blog Post Related Projects Categories   […]

Peel Region’s mrf was designed with a compaction system to handle mrf process residue.   Program growth has resulted in increasing volumes of residue that must be managed at the facility.  The current compaction system cannot keep up with facility production resulting in excess quantities of residue being hauled uncompacted to the adjoining TS.  Upgrading the […]

The Town of Markham is a leader in waste diversion and is the first community in North America to pilot the Big Belly Solar Compaction unit for the collection of recyclables in public spaces. Markham has installed 18 Big Blue Belly units in the downtown business areas of Unionville and Markham. At the same time, […]

A co-operative project between the Cities of Kenora and Dryden. The project is supporting the purchase of a highway tractor for Kenora to haul the recycling compaction trailers from Kenora and Dryden to the processor in Winnipeg. The project is also supporting the upgrade to Dryden’s compaction trailer to be compatible with Kenora’s transfer facility and new compaction trailer. An agreement will be signed […]

A review of options to optimize material transfer with focus on solar compactors. Recommends exploring partnerships, training and compaction.   Documents Final Report: Municipal Waste Recycling Strategy Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves the installation of solar powered compactors at two of the County of Peterborough’s transfer stations to improve hauling efficiencies for fibres collected at the two sites.  The compactors are solar powered and will be equipped with remote monitoring capability to allow staff to determine when the bins actually require replacement.  This feature optimizes hauling […]

$50k in funding was provided to the Town of Whitby to support implementation of an improved public building recycling program. The new containers and enhanced promotional materials are expected to increase diversion by 20% while reducing contamination. This project is expected to assist the CIF in developing better practices in this area of blue box recycling. Total project costs are […]

Implement E&E best practice on MR collection containers. Quinte Waste Solutions implemented best practices at its multi-residential buildings, which service approximately 5,000 households. This project included adding new and replacing damaged recycling carts, re-labelling carts and distributing new promotion and education materials to tenants and building staff, and adding new customized bins for cardboard and […]

Niagara Region in cooperation with its local municipalities is working on a major expansion of its recycling services into local BIA’s, arenas, public buildings, parks and more.  This multi-year project received $55,207 in funding from the CIF representing 40% of the municipality’s funding request. Installed 161 recycling bins in BIAs and parks throughout the Region […]

This project involves the installation of two solar powered compactors at each of three different transfer stations operated by the District of Muskoka to improve hauling efficiencies of blue box recyclables. The compactors are solar powered and capable of 110V back up for periods where insufficient sunlight is available to meet load demand. The compactors are also equipped with wireless […]

Upgrades to transfer facility to allow for loading into a compaction trailer.   Documents Final Report: Kenora Transfer Station Upgrades Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves modeling of optimized roll off vs. overhead compactor collection of rural depots in Eastern Ontario as a surrogate wasteshed to establish a best practice which might be applied to sites managing under 100 tonnes/yr across the province.   Documents Synopsis Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

An evaluation study to provide the City of Cornwall information and options for the redevelopment of its MRF and its potential role in an eastern Ontario blue box processing context.   Documents Final Report: MRF Evaluation and Optimization Study Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves the installation of two solar powered compactors each at two of Carling Township’s transfer stations to improve hauling efficiencies.  The compactors are solar powered and capable of 110V back up for periods where insufficient sunlight is available to meet load demand.  Installation of compactors at these two sites is expected to reduce hauling costs by over $30,000/year […]

This project involves the installation of solar powered compactors at each of Whitestone Township’s two transfer stations McDougall to improve hauling efficiencies.  The compactors are solar powered and will be equipped with generators as backups for periods where insufficient sunlight is available to meet load demand.  Installation of compactors at these two sites is expected to reduce hauling costs by […]

Waste Diversion Ontario (now the Resource Recovery and Productivity Authority) identified recycling strategies/plans as a best practice. The CIF will provide assistance to municipal programs for the completion of a Waste Recycling Plan.  McKellar’s strategy was developed to reduce depot operating costs, increase awareness of recycling program and diversion. Report identifies better practices and recommends […]

Upgraded the loading ramp resulting in reduced loading times. Added new 8 yd3 recycling bins and directional signage. 42% reduction in labour requirements achieved and increase in diversion expected.   Documents Final Report: Fort Frances Transfer Station Upgrades Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

This project involves the replacement of side loading covered roll off bins for the collection of blue box recyclables at the McKellar transfer station with two compactor bins.  The compactors are solar powered with 110V or single phase back up and will reduce bin pick up frequency through increased compaction of recyclables resulting in a projected savings of almost $40,000/year […]

CIF assisted smaller municipalities with promotion and education to promote recycling programs. Dryden implemented a P&E program which included depot signage. Diversion of recyclables increased but mostly due to other P&E efforts.   Documents Final Report: Small Program P&E Plan Implementation Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

Waste Diversion Ontario (now the Resource Recovery and Productivity Authority) identified recycling strategies/plans as a best practice. The CIF will provide assistance to municipal programs for the completion of a Waste Recycling Plan. McMurrich/Monteith Township does not offer curbside recycling so review conducted of depot operations. Recommended better signage, P&E and outreach, e.g. community contest. […]

Review existing Blue Box recycling program and recommend possible options for program enhancement; undertaken by the CIF at the request of the Municipality. Review of depot operations and costs, especially waterfront depot experiencing high contamination rates. Report recommends improving signage at depots with clear, easily read signs that emphasize graphics and remove waterfront depot and […]

Extension of Nestle Waters and City of Sarnia pilot. Installation of public space bins at 3 parks and 3 arenas and 8 convenience stores focusing on beverage container recycling. Baseline and post waste audits conducted. Public awareness campaign implemented resulting in beverage container recovery rates of average 75% at parks, 73% at arenas and 84% […]

Subsequent to completion of Project 202, CIF Projects Committee requested that an additional scan be completed to determine if any further research on better practices in open space recycling, supported by quantified analysis, had been conducted by municipalities across Canada but not published. This project supports the findings of Project 202 in that while many municipalities have open space recycling programs, […]

This project involved evaluating the results of Project 159 to determine if any Best Practices in open space recycling were identifiable and proven through quantitative analysis. The resulting report summarizes identified better practices for consideration in developing open space recycling programs. Discusses four best practices for public space: clear and consistent signage, placement of the recycling bins Design of the […]

Phase 1 study of options to develop BB transfer facility. Review of existing operations to develop recommendations to increase new transfer station effectiveness. Examined three options – Transtor system, compaction trailer, current system optimization.   Documents Final Report: Improvements to the Town’s Recyclable Material Transfer Station Blog Post Related Projects Categories    

As announced Thursday June 3, Ontario's new blue box regulation (O. Reg. 391/21) under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 has been finalized and is now published on e-Laws at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21391 The regulation, which will transition Ontario's blue box program to an Individual Producer Responsibility framework, brings into focus the path ahead for current municipal and First [...]

On Wednesday December 16, 2020 the CIF Windup Plan was approved by the Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority (RPRA). The plan includes important details about the windup and operation of the CIF in coming years. The CIF Windup Plan lays out a timeline to windup the CIF in accordance with the Minister’s directives. According to the [...]

Over the last few months the CIF has been releasing information to help its stakeholders understand the potential operational implications of the proposed new regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 for the blue box. As the December 3, 2020 comment period for the proposed new regulation is fast approaching, the following provides [...]

The proposed new Blue Box regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, released by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) on October 19, 2020, details the eligible sources for collection and service standards required during and after transition. Residences, facilities and public spaces considered eligible sources The proposed new [...]

Earlier in October, the Federal government released a discussion paper “A proposed integrated management approach to plastic products”, outlining a proposal to ban single-use plastics starting in 2021. How does the Federal government’s proposed management strategies for single-use packaging align with Ontario’s draft blue box regulation? To kick off Ontario’s 2020 Waste Reduction Week, Ontario’s Ministry [...]

On Monday, October 19, 2020, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks proposed a new regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 for the blue box. It makes producers of products and packaging fully responsible for the waste they create. The Proposal is posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for [...]

Ontario is undertaking a transition to full extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper products under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act (the “RRCEA”). At their core, EPR policies seek to ensure that the pricing of products incorporates their social and environmental life-cycle costs, including end-of-life treatment and disposal. When products accurately incorporate [...]

Accurately measuring the cost and effectiveness of municipal programs is fundamental to making informed decisions about program changes, investments, and transition planning. When it comes to recycling depots, municipalities report their costs through the annual Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) Datacall. However, these costs vary significantly, due in part to the broad range of [...]

In this installment of CIF’s blog mini-series, we are continuing to share insight and advice from British Columbia’s Product Stewardship Council (BCPSC) based on their experience with transition. This week we are focusing on the decision-making process regarding whether or not to remain engaged as a contractor to a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) once transition [...]

In this second installment of CIF’s blog mini-series we continue to share learnings from our engagement with the British Columbia Product Stewardship Council (BCPSC) on their collective experience with transitioning to a full producer responsibility model. Here are this week's learnings... Regulation elements can impact how well materials are captured Targets will help ensure stewarded [...]

British Columbia (BC) has the only Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products (PPP) in North America where producers have full responsibility for the financing and operation of the province-wide residential recycling system. As Ontario moves toward the transition of its Blue Box program to an Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) framework, municipalities [...]

In the June 3 article published by the Globe and Mail, Environment Minister Yurek has been quoted as saying that despite the pandemic, Ontario’s draft residential Packaging and Printed Paper (PPP) program regulation(s) are still on track to be made public in the coming months. While details are not yet known, municipalities can begin to [...]

Despite COVID-19, June 30 remains the deadline to submit council resolutions to AMO that self-identify a preferred recycling program transition time. To inform this decision, the CIF has been working with the Region of Peel, the City of Ottawa, and RSM Canada Consulting LP on a model that will assist municipalities, taking into consideration operational [...]

Over the years a number of municipalities have encountered challenges related to labour disruptions, contractor performance issues, or shutdowns at processing facilities associated with Blue Box program operations. While no one can anticipate every possible situation, a contingency plan can help prepare a municipality for when these challenges arise. The CIF has developed a Guide [...]

A “force majeure” clause is included in contracts to relieve the parties of their obligations in the event of significant unforeseen circumstances that are typically outside of their control. Essentially, it is a contract provision that relieves the parties from performing their contractual obligations when circumstances beyond their control arise, making performance illegal, impossible and/or [...]

On August 15, 2019, the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks directed the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) and Stewardship Ontario (SO) to, amongst other things, develop a plan to windup the existing Blue Box Program Plan (BBPP) and the CIF as soon as practical and by no later than [...]

Managers of municipal curbside collection programs often have a hard time gathering up-to-date information on the number of units serviced in a collection route. This issue is even more difficult in areas with seasonal populations which leads to challenges reporting out in the RPRA Datacall. These difficulties are compounded when undergoing a collection contract change, […]

Working through contract renewals while awaiting transition The Region of Durham’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operating and maintenance contract was set to end, while at the same time the facility was struggling to accommodate an increased volume of inbound containers. The facility, which opened in 2007, was designed to manage a mix of materials that […]

Recycling at the City of Barrie's waterfront After much anticipation, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has announced next steps related to Ontario’s Blue Box Program. The MECP has indicated that over the next six years, Stewardship Ontario (SO) will be required to develop a transition plan, in consultation with municipalities and other [...]

The potential for the Blue Box Program to transition at any time to an Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) system has put pressure on municipal staff and contractors to manage contracted operations significantly beyond their original terms. Repeated contract extensions have pushed contractors to operate their equipment well into the late stages of its lifespan at [...]

Photo courtesy of City of Cornwall The prospect of a new collection and processing contract is always going to be daunting. This process is compounded during times of uncertainty and impending regulatory change. Under Project 1075, the City of Cornwall (City) obtained assistance from the CIF to create a new collection and processing RFP, which [...]

This year marked the 25th time that municipal staff and other experts stepped up to share their up to the minute insights on  issues facing the Blue Box program service providers at the Ontario Recycler Workshop (ORW). Each speaker carefully crafted presentations to ensure that the full house of participants would walk away armed with […]

As existing diversion programs in Ontario begin transitioning to Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR), the importance of understanding the financial impact of these changes to municipalities is becoming increasingly clear. When Blue Box Program transition occurs, municipal staff will need to be prepared to inform their council of the service level and budgetary implications of turning [...]

In light of the uncertainty surrounding the pending transition to full produce responsibility, municipalities that are contracting for recycling services now, need to provide for the possibility that a change of law may significantly affect their program and/or the scope of work. Including transition clauses in new or updated contracts will help manage this uncertainty. […]

With news that transition to Full Producer Responsibility was expected to take hold in Ontario, but without a target date, Waterloo Region staff took a close look at the needs of its Material Recovery Centre (MRC). Since 2012, the Region had moved from 4-stream to 2-stream collection – where glass was commingled with other containers [...]

Asking the Right Questions During RFP Planning It’s RFP season! Well in reality, every season is RFP season! RFPs are a top priority for programs this year as it was clearly indicated by the volume of inquiries and the number of 2018 REOI applications requesting RFP support in one form or another. So, if you’re [...]

Ask any program manager about their operating budget and they can speak to it with confidence but ask them what portion of the Human Resources or central customer service costs are associated with waste management and it becomes a different discussion. Yet if producers end up hiring municipalities to provide Blue Box services across Ontario, [...]

The transition to full producer responsibility (FPR) will see the role of municipalities change dramatically. CIF Project 1017, conducted with the Region of Niagara (Niagara), is designed to walk municipalities through the factors municipalities should consider to determine the role they might play once Ontario transitions to FPR. This blog presents considerable detail and there’s […]

During this period of policy and program change and the uncertainty that it generates, it’s important for municipalities to consider new tools available for use that provide sound evidence to aid in the decision-making process. The tools currently in development by the CIF and its partners are cost accounting models. Whether the Blue Box program [...]

Armour Township is making capital investments in its blue box program. Despite uncertainty around the amended Blue Box Program Plan (a-BBPP), changing markets and municipal partnerships and being a small rural northern municipality, Armour has stayed proactive in their approach. In the fall of 2017, Armour invested in a Stationary Recycling Compactor and two 40-yard […]

So, what are you doing to prepare for the proposed amendment to the Blue Box Program Plan (a-BBPP)? The Regional Municipality of Niagara (Niagara) is preparing, with the assistance of CIF staff and funding, by completing an EPR business case analysis of its MRF and associated assets. Background The business case analysis involved market valuations [...]

In Ontario, the transition to establish a full Extended Producer Responsibility program to manage Blue Box Recycling under the Waste-Free Ontario Act is well underway and picking up steam. The new approach will mean different things for different programs but it’s bound to impact us all. With this certainty comes a responsibility to keep up […]

On November 30, 2016, Waste Diversion Ontario transitioned to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) proclaimed as part of the new Waste-Free Ontario Act, 2016 that received Royal Assent in June. This means that RPRA, a new oversight, compliance, and enforcement organization, is now in operation under the direction of RPRA’s initial board of […]

CIF staff recently completed spring outreach meetings around the Province, with municipal staff and politicians in Dryden, London, North Bay, Oliver Paipoonge, Peel, Smiths Falls, Spanish and Wawa. Despite some unforgiving late spring weather, participation was as strong as ever. Our sincere thanks to each host community and their staff for the great hospitality, to […]

Bill 151, the Waste Free Ontario Act raises questions for communities that need to establish new or extend existing contracts. Without knowing exactly when the legislation will come into force or what it will mean, it’s important to provide flexibility through shorter term contracting to prevent unfunded obligations or a need to break terms of […]