market, domestic markets have become oversaturated and buyers are subsequently imposing higher quality demands on municipalities. The expectation from buyers is to have less than 5% contamination. In order to achieve this EWSWA analyzed audits of recycling loads and determined sources of contamination. Plastic bags were quickly identified as a major contaminant. Additionally, plastic bags cause operational problems as they wrap around conveyers and other processing equipment resulting in costly repairs and maintenance.

As a result, EWSWA, with the support and assistance of the City of Windsor’s Environmental Services Department developed a strategic campaign aimed at reducing the number of plastic bags at the source.

The campaign will launch in late March and will include promotion through events, the 2020/2021 Collection Calendar, the EWSWA Annual Truck Load Sale, e-newsletters, truck signs, social media and traditional media. On June 1st, 2020 plastic bags in recycling will no longer be collected. However, for the month of June, within the City of Windsor, Environmental Services staff will attend any homes with boxes uncollected, as a result of plastic bags, in order to provide additional information and to collect the contaminated recycling. Effective July 1st 2020, no further home specific education will be provided and recycling with plastic bag contamination will not be collected.

Risk Analysis:

Failing to remove bags from recycling will affect contamination rates and result in either significantly reduced pricing or even rejection from buyers. Revenues from the sale of recyclable materials have already seen a drastic decrease, which can be related directly to the market saturation and associated quality standards.

Financial Matters:

There is no financial impact to adopting the Recommendation. Funding for this campaign has been allocated in the approved 2020 EWSWA Operating Budget.

Consultations:

Cathy Copot-Nepsy, Waste Diversion Manager, EWSWA

Cindy Becker, Financial Planning Administrator

Conclusion:

The market for recyclable materials has set a high quality standard. The “No Plastic Bags .... Period!” Recycling Campaign will assist the EWSWA is meeting the acceptable contamination levels and obtaining the greatest revenue for materials.

Approvals:

Name	Title
Cindy Becker	Financial Planning Administrator