Past, Present and Future
Our waste diversion has come a long way since the Blue Box Program was first introduced in Peel in the 1980s.
With your participation in our various reuse and recycling programs, we are currently diverting 50 per cent of our waste from disposal. Another 20 per cent is converted into energy at the Algonquin Power Energy-from-Waste facility.
- How we’re going to get there
The Region of Peel uses an integrated approach to managing our waste. A variety of recycling programs and services are used to achieve our diversion target:
- Blue Box Recycling
- Organics and Yard Waste Recycling
- Community Recycling Centres
Your participation in our recycling programs is key
to preserving our natural resources.
Recycling works. With a 90 per cent participation rate in the Blue Box Program, the Region collects approximately 100,000 tonnes of blue box material each year. Recyclable items that you place in your blue box or recycling container are brought to the Region’s recycling facility where they are sorted and baled, and then sold to end markets. Recovered recyclable materials are never sent to landfill.
- Organics and Yard Waste Recycling
Organic material, such as food waste and soiled paper products, makes up 30 per cent of your household garbage. Placing organic material in your green bin not only reduces the amount of garbage you set out at the curb, but also keeps food waste out of landfill.
Organic material is mixed with yard waste and made into compost. The Region’s compost can be bought at Peel’s Community Recycling Centres for use as a soil amendment on your lawn and garden.
Composting food waste creates less greenhouse gas emissions than sending it to landfill.
- Community Recycling Centres (CRCs)
CRCs are located throughout the Region and offer recycling and disposal services right in your community. The services offered at the Region’s CRCs supplement our weekly collection services.
In addition, you may take most household hazardous waste (toxic, flammable, corrosive and explosive items) to your local CRC for safe disposal, free of charge.
Bring your household hazardous waste, electronics, recyclable and reuse materials to any of Peel’s five CRCs.
Donate gently used items at any CRC.
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