By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County Council adopted staff recommendations for a preferred date of Jan. 1, 2023, to transition the local recycling system to a Producer Responsibility model.

The Wednesday vote followed up on plans announced by the province last August to transition responsibility for the provincial recycling system to producers of packaging and paper products, and away from municipalities and First Nations. The transition will begin in 2023 and be complete by the end of 2025.

As part of the recommendation adopted by council, a January 2023 transition of the Northumberland recycling program would include the winding down of the county’s operation of the Material Recovery Facility by the end of 2022.

Council also agreed the county should seek to administer collection of recycling on behalf of producers, post-transition. As the county will continue to provide collection of waste, green bin, and leaf and yard waste following the launch of Producer Responsibility, council agreed there is likely to be cost-savings for both the county and producers in the county administering one large contract for all local waste and recycling collection.

Warden Bob Sanderson explained in the press release that the early transition would achieve the greatest overall benefit for the county.

“By expressing a preference for a January 2023 transition, we aim to position the Material Recovery Facility for possible purchase and continued operation by the private sector, ideally sustaining local employment opportunities,” Sanderson stated.

“In addition, this move would maximize the potential for savings, with a $2.97-million annual impact to the county levy once transition occurs.

“While we have expressed this preference on timing and future partnerships, we recognize that final decisions ultimately rest with the province and producers. We look forward to collaboration to confirm timelines and support a seamless transition of recycling services for our community.”