Changes are coming to the items Port Hawkesbury residents can place in their recycling bags. Effective Dec. 1, CAO Terry Doyle said the town has a contract with Circular Materials Corporation.
During the monthly public meeting of Port Hawkesbury Town Council on Tuesday night, Doyle said the company has agreed to fund the town for its blue bag program. Noting that the change “should be seamless” for the town, the CAO said there are additional items residents can now put in their blue bags, that were prohibited before due to the Extended Producer Responsibility Program. Some examples include foil lids from yogurt or sour cream.
Doyle said hot and cold beverage cups can now go in the plastics bag, as well as candy dispensers, plastic wrap, toothpaste and deodorant tubes, and cosmetic containers.
In the paper blue bag, the CAO said additions include flour bags, pizza boxes, toilet paper, and paper towel rollers.
Things that can longer be included in the blue paper bag includes books, unless the binding is stripped away, Doyle said, noting that coffee pots, teapots, and toys will not be accepted in clear bags.
The CAO said the changes will be advertised to the public soon, and he said the town is working with the Municipality of the County of Inverness on a promotional campaign. Doyle said there will be a “soft enforcement” period of the changes for the next month.