Proposed changes to Blue Box program mean less waste will get recycled, critics say - Toronto Star

The province's proposals mean soft plastic packaging wouldn't be recycled and residents could no longer put out overflow bundles. 

Recycling bins are seen near Toronto’s Casa Loma neighbourhood in this file photo. Less household waste could end up being recycled under proposed changes to Ontario’s Blue Box program, environmental groups charge.

Proposed changes to Ontario’s residential Blue Box program could result in less household waste being recycled and run counter to the original goal of privatizing collection, environmental groups say. 

If adopted, the Ontario government proposals, outlined in a technical briefing document provided to the Star earlier this week, would see the end of flexible plastic in blue bins.

That means plastic rice and cereal pouches, coffee bags, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers and other soft plastic packaging could end up in the garbage.

The amendments, since posted online, would also phase out a requirement for waste companies to pick up bundles of cardboard and overflow recycling in clear bags placed outside blue bins.