Sherry Arcaro, Director of Field Services (Blue Box and Orange Drop) June 5, 2013

The Stats… Currently 31 out of 200+ programs in Ontario actively promote and collect film plastic at the curb or in drop-off depots In 2011, 4391 tonnes were markets either as “film plastics” or as part of “mixed plastic” loads

What’s in the mix? Grocery bags, bread bags, milk bags In some areas they also accept toilet paper overwrap, dry-cleaning bags and other over-wrap film packaging No chip bags, cheese wrappers or stretch wrap.

What’s not accepted (now)? Plastic Laminants

Curbside challenges… #1 - Litter

Material Recycling Facility challenges with curbside film Cross contamination with other commodities – especially newspaper Difficult to capture off sort line Other bagged material – cost increase/loss of film

Other challenges… Curbside film highly contaminated (liquids, food, receipts) Low value and fluctuating market conditions

Curbside versus Return to Retail or Depot Curbside – higher participation/higher contamination Depot – requires consumer buy-in/cleaner material

Technological Solution Needed Last word… Curbside can be a success with “bag in bag” programs and substantive P&E Contamination will always be a big issue at the curb Adequate processing technology still not available to manage post-consumer curbside material Technological Solution Needed

Sherry Arcaro Director of Field Services (Blue Box and Orange Drop sarcaro@stewardshipontario.ca