Low participation raises questions about the future of the Smiths Falls business recycling program
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council has delayed a decision on whether to cancel municipal recycling pickup for businesses after debating a staff recommendation first presented earlier this month.
A report brought forward at the March 2 committee of the whole meeting recommended ending the town’s contract with Glenview Iron and Metal for curbside recycling collection from commercial properties.
Staff said the fee-for-service model introduced earlier this year has not achieved the participation levels required to make the program financially sustainable.
The issue returned to council on March 9, where councillors discussed whether the service should continue despite the low participation rate.
The change follows Ontario’s transition of the Blue Box program to a producer responsibility system on Jan. 1, shifting the cost of residential recycling to companies that produce packaging and paper products. Businesses remain excluded from the provincial program.
About 220 Smiths Falls businesses were historically included in municipal recycling routes. In response to the provincial change, the town attempted to continue the service through a voluntary fee model.
Under that approach, businesses would sign agreements with the town and pay about $27 per month for recycling collection.
Of the 111 businesses that responded to the town’s outreach, 75 declined to participate while 36 indicated interest. Staff estimate the program cannot reach cost neutrality at that level of participation.
The contract with Glenview Iron and Metal costs about $71,994 annually. The town has already incurred roughly $10,800 in costs for January and February.
Three members of council — Mayor Shawn Pankow and councillors Dawn Quinn and Jennifer Miller — declared conflicts of interest and left the council table during the discussion. Coun. Steve Robinson was absent.
Coun. Jay Brennan said he was concerned about eliminating the service entirely.
“I really struggle with this,” Brennan said. “The province has made a mistake in excluding businesses from the program.”
He said removing municipal recycling pickup could leave smaller businesses with few options.
“If you’re a mom-and-pop shop, recycling could end up piling up or being thrown in the garbage when it shouldn’t be,” he said.
Brennan suggested the town consider continuing the service for a year while advocating for changes to provincial policy.
Coun. Chris McGuire said the limited response from businesses made it difficult to determine whether the service was necessary.
“I don’t have a strong opinion on this right now,” McGuire said. “It’s one of those situations where it would be nice to have the full (council) around the table for the debate.”
Council indicated the matter will return at a future meeting after businesses are notified and feedback is gathered from local business groups.
If the program is ultimately cancelled, businesses would need to arrange recycling collection through private contractors.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Smiths Falls news.
