Thousands of Hamilton businesses at risk of losing recycling pickup

Thousands of local businesses could soon lose city recycling pickup as part of a proposed Hamilton budget cut.

As producers take over the program provincewide, many owners say they’re now facing higher costs and a tight timeline.

“Don’t do that. Please don’t cut that from the budget. Now is not the time,” said Yvette Cowe, owner of East Hamilton Cheese Co.

An impassioned plea from a small business owner in Hamilton, a reaction to the city’s proposal to cut recycling pickup for about 2,500 “non-eligible” properties — including small shops, daycares, places of worship and even some city buildings — as early as the end of March.

“It’s not good for small business owners, it’s not good at all,” said Dora Grover, owner of Dora’s Delicatessen and Catering.

“It’s just another kick to us small business owners,” said Wes Fletcher, owner of Wick’d Wax, The Candle Shoppe.

The move is expected to save the city about $2.3 million and here’s why.

This year, the province shifted recycling costs from cities to producers, meaning the companies that make packaging now run the system.

Until last year, many of these businesses were covered under the city’s blue box program. Now they don’t qualify.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says it’s hearing exactly the same frustration across Ontario.

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“I can’t afford private pickup. I could be forced to rent a private bin which will cost me around $500,” said Julie Kwiecinski, director of CFIB Ontario provincial affairs.

Kwiecinsky adds that council should delay ending the city-funded recycling pickup.

“The helpful and the right thing for the City of Hamilton to do would be to extend it to small businesses,” said Kwiecinski.

“Help us with operating our small businesses, it’s just ridiculous. Everything’s coming out of our pockets. We have very, very little room to move anymore,” said Fletcher.

Meanwhile on Ottawa Street, the local BIA says the change couldn’t come at a worse time.

“There’s so much cost involved in running a business as it is. Small businesses don’t need this hit,” said Michael Carruth, chair of the Ottawa Street North BIA.

If this proposal passes, businesses here would lose city pickup by the end of March. Meaning they could end up paying private collectors – which is raising concerns that some, in an effort to save costs, could risk sending recyclables straight to the landfill.

“I’m afraid that what will happen, instead of people paying for it, is it will just end up in the garbage and filling up landfills,” said Cowe.

During a budget meeting earlier this week, councillors agreed the province created the problem, and some suggest the city needs to help with a smoother transition.

“We have to have an adequate transition plan for businesses to make sure that they are on board; we have to help and support them,” said Cameron Kroetsch, Hamilton Ward 2 Councillor.

Last year council used reserves to temporarily keep pickup going — but long term, the future of business recycling is still uncertain. A decision is expected during the upcoming budget talks.

For now, many business owners say they’re just hoping they’re not left holding the bin.

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