Hamilton city council discussed the end of municipal recycling collection for “non-eligible properties” under Ontario’s Blue Box regulation, meaning affected businesses will need to arrange private recycling service. Ryan Kent, the city’s Manager of Waste Policy and Programs, told council that “under the blue box regulation bluebox collection at these said non-eligible properties must either be paid for by municipalities or property owners.” Staff also updated council on communication and service-transition problems tied to the change, and council heard updates on investigations into financial misconduct in two Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), with city staff saying a broader governance review is underway.

Topics Discussed

End of Commercial Recycling Collection

Staff outlined how the provincial Blue Box framework is shifting costs and responsibility for recycling away from municipalities for certain properties. One speaker said, “The first day when private recycling will be required by non-eligible properties that are currently serviced by the city of Hamilton is January 4th, 2027.” Kent summarized the impact of the regulation: “Under the blue box regulation bluebox collection at these said non-eligible properties must either be paid for by municipalities or property owners.”

Staff also described advocacy efforts aimed at changing the rules. Kent said, “Our goal is to lobby for a bluebox program that includes small businesses. We understand that it's a cost to small businesses, right? Just in the same way that it's a cost to the municipality to run that program.”

Service Transition Challenges

Council heard that separating non-residential recycling from residential routes has increased costs and created operational challenges. Staff explained: “The big reason why the cost is so high for us to collect the non-residential recycling is because prior to January 1st, 2026, we were allowed to put the material in the same collection vehicle as the residential recycling… Now that we're doing it separately, the costs obviously go up quite a bit.”

Councillors also raised concerns about what the change will mean on the ground once businesses must fully shift to private service. One member said, “I just wish we could have done more sooner and now we're not at this spot where we're going to now have a big dump on us probably in January.”

Communication Failures and Solutions

Council discussed gaps in notifying affected businesses and how the city plans to improve outreach. Staff said they have worked through BIAs in the past and may do so again: “We have historically gone through Christina to kind of coordinate some of that and we may do that again if she is able to do so which I'm sure she is.”

BIA Financial Misconduct and Governance Review

Council also discussed financial misconduct identified in two BIAs and the resulting investigations and governance review. Christina Gesler, the city’s business development and business improvement area officer, told council: “This is currently under investigation through the city auditor and the integrity commissioner. So it's limited what I can speak to on this at this point. That being said, there is going to be a wholesome review of existing governance policies and practices for the BIAs.”

BIA representatives emphasized that the alleged misconduct should not define the broader network of BIAs. One speaker said: “I find all of this really frustrating because there's a lot of us that are doing everything by the book… I just want to say this was these were two bad seeds amongst dozens of us… And I find it absolutely despicable that this has gone on and I really want this to not be a reflection of how BIAs operate in this city.”

Provincial Backlash and Alternative Solutions

Council heard that the Blue Box changes are drawing widespread criticism beyond Hamilton. Councillor Wilson described feedback at a provincial conference: “The one question that overwhelmingly galvanized the entire ballroom was the issue of this recycling change. So there was expressed unhappiness from far and wide… perhaps there is some solace in the fact that nobody is happy.”

Staff also noted municipalities have been pushing the province for changes: “municipalities both individually as well as through industry organizations… have sent letters to the ministry environmental conservation parks to try and get regulations amended to allow for this.”

Motions

Passed: - Motion to receive Item 7.1 (moved by Susan, seconded by Susie) - Motion to approve expenditure requests funded from 2026 contribution to operating budget for Waterdown BIA, Hess Village BIA, and International Village BIA

Attendees

The meeting included representatives from the following BIAs: - International Village - Westdale - Stony Creek - Ancaster - Hess Village - Waterdown - Concession - Locke Street - Dundas - Downtown - Ottawa Street - Barton Village

Staff present included: - Ryan Kent, Manager of Waste Policy and Programs - Joel McCormick, Manager of Waste Collections - Christina Gesler, business development and business improvement area officer

Council members mentioned: - Councillor Susie - Councillor Wilson - Susan (board member)