On June 6, 2024, Waste Management of Canada Corporation (WM Canada) announced the commencement of construction of two state-of-the-art recycling facilities in Ontario. Strategically positioned in the Region of Waterloo and the Greater Napanee area, the sites are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
As Ontario transitions to extended producer responsibility for paper and packaging material, these highly automated facilities will support processing approximately 30 per cent of Ontario’s total blue box volume. Circular Materials is pleased to see this incredible investment that will support the efficient and effective recycling of material in the province.
“Our commitment to recycling extends beyond environmental preservation. It’s about shaping a future where recycling systems thrive and encourage circularity — where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers to use as recycled content in new packaging and paper products. Waste Management’s investment in Ontario supports our efforts to pioneer innovative solutions that will help meet material performance targets and improve recycling in Ontario,” states Allen Langdon, CEO, Circular Materials.
The facilities aim to achieve several objectives, including increasing the overall recycling capacity in the area and expanding the list of acceptable recyclable materials that WM Canada manages, including more types of plastic. Additionally, the facilities will utilize sorting technologies where conveyors and optical sorters communicate with each other, and with technicians, to strive to improve material quality.
“As North America’s largest recycler, expanding our footprint in Ontario is a significant opportunity that directly aligns with WM’s sustainability strategy.” said Tracy Black, President, WM Canada.
WM’s investment in Ontario’s recycling infrastructure marks a significant development in the journey of advancing recycling practices, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable future for the province that benefits both people and the planet. As Circular Materials aims to achieve recycling efficiencies, these state-of-the-art facilities will play a crucial role in realizing that goal, underscoring our commitment to technological advancements and strategic innovation to enhance and harmonize recycling across the province.