Since the start of the new year, the transition of recycling collection services from the city to a private provider has hit a snag for some residents in Toronto.
In Leaside, locals are expressing frustration as the new company hired to handle blue bin recycling has yet to pick up their recyclables, leading to a buildup on the neighborhood’s curbside. Despite efforts to reach out, residents are left puzzled by the lack of service and conflicting information provided.
Following recent provincial regulations, Circular Materials has taken over recycling collection duties for certain residential properties, schools, and care facilities. While city officials had promised consistency in collection schedules and advised residents to report any missed pickups to the company, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Residents like Carrie Baker are disappointed by the lack of clarity and communication surrounding the issue. “It’s been a mess between the city, the company, and us residents. It seems like nobody has the right answers,” Baker shared, highlighting the community’s decision to leave out recycling until it’s collected.
City Councillor Josh Matlow has condemned the situation as “completely unacceptable” and intends to address the matter with the company, the mayor’s office, and the government. Emphasizing the importance of recycling services as a fundamental necessity, Matlow vowed to push for a resolution.
Circular Materials CEO, Allen Langdon, acknowledged a delay in servicing households in specific districts due to a post-holiday collection schedule. Affected areas, including parts of North York and East York, will receive makeup collections throughout the week to manage the surge in recycling volumes.
Apologizing for any inconvenience caused, Langdon urged residents to keep their recycling out for pickup and thanked them for their understanding and cooperation during this period of adjustment.