Council Report: S 21/2020

Subject: Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority Plastic Bag Ban in Recycling

Reference:

• Date to Council: February 19, 2020
• Author: Anne-Marie Albidone
• Manager, Environmental Services
• 519-974-2277 ext.3123
• aalbidone@citywindsor.ca
• Public Works - Operations
• Report Date: January 30, 2020
• Clerk's File #: SW2020

To: Mayor and Members of City Council

Recommendation:

THAT the report from the City Engineer dated January 30th, 2020 regarding the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority Plastic Bag Ban in Recycling BE RECEIVED for information.

Executive Summary:

N/A

Background:

At its February 4th, 2020 Board Meeting, the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) introduced a recycling campaign aimed at reducing the amount of plastic bags found in the recycling stream. The "No Plastic Bags.....Period!" campaign will begin with an extensive education and outreach program, with a ban taking effect on June 1, 2020.

Discussion:

Plastic bags have never been recyclable in the Windsor-Essex region, yet many residents place them in their recycling boxes either to contain loose material (such as cans or paper), or because they believe they are recyclable. In reality, all plastic bags cause contamination and significant operating issues at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Contamination caused by plastic bags and other items are mitigated to a small degree at the MRF through mechanical sorters, however much can still be found in the final product being sold to the recycling market. Due to the recent changes in the European