MARKHAM, ON – March 1, 2022 – The City of Markham is reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly practices and advanced waste management solutions. Following a thorough public procurement process in 2020, Markham Council has awarded an eight-year collection contract to Miller Waste Systems. This new collection service kicks off on March 1, 2022, featuring a fresh fleet of 50 collection trucks.
The updated contract comes with several improvements that will benefit residents of Markham. With the introduction of Ontario’s new provincial Blue Box legislation, recyclables in blue boxes will now be collected separately from green bin organics and clear bag garbage using two different trucks. All recyclable materials and organic waste will still be picked up on the same day without any changes to collection schedules. Green bin organics and clear bag garbage will be co-collected in a “rear load” truck designed with two compartments to keep materials separate.
“Markham has an award-winning legacy of environmental sustainability,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti, “and this new contract will ensure that we are ready to continue building on that success. The City’s environmental efforts and high service standards align perfectly with our residents’ dedication to sorting their waste properly and increasing diversion.”
Some of Markham’s achievements in waste diversion include:
Styrofoam Packaging banned from curbside collection, aiming to divert Styrofoam away from landfills and incineration. Residents can use the City’s four Recycling Depots as a cost-effective option for recycling their Styrofoam materials. Textile Recycling Program launched, which includes banning household textiles from curbside pickup. Since 2021, more than 20 million pounds of donations have been collected through this program, diverting unwanted textiles from landfills and incineration while creating local jobs and supporting communities in Markham.
Clear bags for garbage introduced so collectors can easily identify if recyclables, organics, hazardous materials, or electronics have been disposed of incorrectly. Electronic waste (like TVs and computers) banned from curbside collection to prevent harmful metals from entering landfills while allowing valuable components such as glass, plastic, gold, silver, copper, and palladium to be recycled.
The positive impacts include:
Increased diversion rates for Styrofoam: Nov 2019 – April 2020 = 12 tonnes Nov 2020 – April 2021 = 30 tonnes Improved recycling rates for other acceptable Depot materials Creation of local jobs at Recycling Depots along with densification services Enhanced efficiency in curbside collections along with reduced litter from set-outs
Awards received in recognition of environmental efforts in 2021:
CAMA (Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators) – 2021 Environmental Award AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) – 2021 PJ Marshall Municipal Innovation Award
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti along with City Councillors present new recycling-only trucks.
Green bin organics and clear bag garbage are now collected in rear-load trucks.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Miller Waste Systems Owner & CEO, Blair Mc Arthur announce new eight-year waste management contract.
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For inquiries related to Mayor Frank Scarpitti:
Contact mayorscar pitt i@mark ham. ca. p >
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Email media@mark ham. ca. p >
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Visit mark ham. ca/covid19 or tune into 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information radio station during emergencies. p >
About Markham: This award-winning municipality boasts over 354 ,000 residents , making it the largest among nine communities within York Region. It’s home to more than650 headquarter ed companies as well as over1500 high-techand life science firms. Markha m leads the wayin attracting foreign direct investmentwith234 foreigncompanies operatingin the city. Establishedin the1790s , today it standsas Canada ’s most diverse communitywith a rich heritage , excellent community planning , services , anda thriving local economy.
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