A surcharge on recycling and organics sent to the landfill by businesses is set to come into effect on Sept. 5.
The mandatory recycling and organics program requires recyclable and organic material from businesses be diverted from the landfill and will be enforced with a $50 per tonne charge. The charge is for industrial, commercial and institutional loads containing more than 25 per cent recyclable and/or organic material.
“The surcharge will predominately apply to haulers who are carting waste to the City’s Waste & Recycling Centre and those businesses that self-haul. Businesses that use a hauler to remove their waste are encouraged to talk to their hauler about what needs to be done to prevent incurring the surcharge,” reads a news release from the city.
The charge came into effect in February, but the city gave a grace and education period before enforcing it strictly.
“A number of engagement efforts have taken place since City Council approved the Business Waste Diversion Strategy in 2015, which aims reduce business waste by 45 per cent by 2030,” the city says.
The engagement included visiting more than 550 businesses in person, mailing information and presentations.