Change is coming to Downtown waste collection! The provincial Blue Box Regulation has changed how recycling is operated and Guelph’s own Downtown Renewal Program will bring in enhanced waste infrastructure over the next decade.

A Council-approved user fee study is now underway to determine how industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I) waste collection may continue and how it can be fairly and sustainably funded through these changes.

Our teams are going door to door this winter to speak with businesses and understand their needs and share a survey to gather information. We're also recruiting those interested to join a working group to find a solution that works for Downtown.

Do you own or manage a Downtown business, institution or property?

We've got two ways for you to get involved!

1) Take a survey

We want to hear from you so we can improve waste collection in the Downtown. Our survey can take between two to 15 minutes to complete depending on how you currently collect and manage waste in your business or property. Your time, information and comments will help us shape the future of waste Downtown.

2) Join a working group

We're also developing a Working Group with diverse membership to represent the needs of our Downtown around a potential Solid Waste User Fee program.

This group will collaborate with City staff, explore options and impacts of a variety of programs and provide feedback to inform a next step for waste services and what the fee and administrative model might look like.

Take a moment to read the Terms of Reference or reach out to rob.reid@guelph.ca to learn about the structure, expectations and commitments of the Working Group. More information and a chance to express your interest in the working group is available in the form below.

Are you an organization interested in coordinating waste collection in our Downtown?

We want to connect with you too! Our City team is interested in learning about organizations who operate in our area and may express interest in providing waste services in the Downtown. Organizations will be invited to attend Working Group sessions as appropriate to learn about the study and to hear from and share information with the Downtown users directly.

Please reach out to rob.reid@guelph.ca to learn more about how your organization can get involved.