Why Townships Recycle

Ken Hook | Apr 17, 2024

There has been discussion about waste site employees checking bags at our waste sites.  Why is this important?  Both Addington Highlands and North Frontenac Townships recycle and divert as much garbage from the waste sites and transfer stations as much as possible.

They do this because:

1) It’s the right thing to do from an environmental aspect.

2) Recycling saves money for ratepayers in the Township.

With most of our waste sites at capacity, waste and recycling are trucked to depot locations.

Addington Highlands recycling is trucked to Manco in Napanee. We are charged $73.60 for each tonne of recycling. Garbage (waste) is eventually trucked to Moose Creek, north of Cornwall. We are charged $130/tonne. Our trucking for both recycling and garbage is extra.

The more we recycle and divert waste from landfills, the lower our costs.

Operating the five waste sites (plus the shared site in Cloyne) in Addington Highlands is expensive. In 2023, the cost was $878,000, which took 13% of the total annual budget.

When waste site operators check your garbage, they check to ensure as much is diverted to recycling as possible. They are also checking that non-recyclable materials are not placed in the bins. When garbage or hazardous material contaminates a recycling bin, the entire load may be rejected at the destination, and the Township may be penalized, costing all of us money.

Waste rules were developed for good reason. They are meant to do our part for the environment and minimize our tax dollars. Please ask your waste site attendant if you are unclear on what can be recycled. They will be sure to help.