Thunder Bay behind on recycling waste

Thunder Bay residents need to change their recycling habits if they are to catch up with other Ontario municipalities, a recent report points out.

A 2012 Ontario Municipal Benchmarking Initiative report shows the city has one of the lowest waste diversion rates among 14 communities.

Small businesses in Thunder Bay are part of the problem because they are not required to recycle, said Jason Sherband, the city's Solid Waste Diversion and Recycling co-ordinator.

"The bigger establishments — your educational institutions, bigger restaurants, office buildings, those type of things — they're all covered by provincial legislation that's been in place since the early 90s," he said.

"So, they're mandated to have recycling programs in place."

The owner of Cyclepath on May Street in Thunder Bay said the store has to dispose of large cardboard boxes on a weekly basis.

Peter Tofinetti said he wants to recycle, but doesn't have the space.

"There is literally no room for a bin," he said.

"And, we would definitely require a bin for a short period of time in our peak season. There's not enough spaces for parking, let alone to put a large bin."

Tofinetti said he would also have to pay for recycling pickup, adding another cost for a small business.

"There's no question that cost is a deterrent when … the garbage guys can pick it up once a week for free," he said.

Sherband said his department is currently working on a report that will include recommendations for reducing the amount of garbage created by businesses. The report should be ready in about a year.