Article content
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is calling for provincial action on recycling and waste division.
Article content
NVCA Chair Jonathan Scott recently raised concerns about gaps in the current provincial recycling framework.
Specifically, he cited the need to strengthen recycling regulations that affect small businesses, community organizations and local infrastructure.
Scott, who is also a Bradford West Gwillimbury Councillor, outlined his thoughts in a letter to Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Honourable Todd McCarthy.
The NVCA says that without accessible services for smaller industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I) locations, there is an increased risk of illegal dumping, blocked stormwater systems, degraded water quality and heightened flood and erosion hazards.
Article content
When recycling isn’t accessible, illegal dumping goes up, says the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (Photo submitted by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority)
“Conservation authorities are on the front lines of protecting people, property and ecosystems from flooding and pollution,” Scott said.
“When recycling isn’t accessible, the environmental costs show up directly in our creeks, rivers and stormwater systems.”
The NVCA’s Board of Directors has endorsed the call for provincial changes.
The letter urged the province to amend Ontario’s recycling regulations to include small IC&I locations under producer responsibility.
It further asked to expand IC&I waste separation requirements to more businesses and institutions.
The NVCA would also like to see an extension of the Ontario Deposit Return Program to cover non-alcoholic beverage containers.
“Alongside our member municipalities, we are worried about a loss of recycling services to our downtown small businesses and places of worship resulting from unintended consequences in provincial regulations,” said Scott.
As a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment, the NVCA, by way of Scott’s letter, anticipates its call to action is heard.
“We hope the province will address these concerns,” Scott said.
Share this article in your social network