Toronto has become downright evangelical about recycling. The latest is that they are now going to take on shops and restaurants that sell coffee in paper cups with plastic lids, and/or provide take-out food and drink containers, and plastic bags that are not part of a manufacturer’s packaging. The reason behind this plan is that the recyclers apparently don’t want paper and plastic mixed together. Needless to say this has created quite a response, most notably from Tim Horton’s. And, at for now it appears that Tim Horton’s has won – at least until April which is the deadline for the city and the coffee shops to work out a suitable compromise.

Tim Horton’s is disputing that their cups are not recyclable. In fact they are currently being recycled in Windsor and in Owen Sound, and they are being composted in Hamilton. So what’s the deal in Toronto? The irony is that a polystyrene foam cup with a plastic lid is considered recyclable because it’s entirely composed of petrochemicals. Any mixed-material container such as a paper cup and a plastic lid has been deemed non-recyclable whether or not they are actually recyclable. The recyclers and not the city seem to have the power here. Biodegradable plastic bags will also be banned because recyclers don’t want them.

What is wrong with this picture? Are we banning items to help the environment or to appease the recyclers? Clearly it appears that the City of Toronto has a clear mandate to appease the recyclers. As it stands now:

•    Immediately the sale of bottled water is banned at Toronto City Hall and the former local city halls.
•    As of December 2008 Toronto will start accepting plastic grocery bags and foam packaging in blue boxes.
•    As of December 31, 2009 non-recyclable bags will be banned.
•    As of December 31, 2011 the sale of bottled water will be banned at all other city facilities.

Needless to say the business reaction to these maneuvers has been extremely negative. The fight has barely begun and it should become very interesting. Stay tuned for the updates.

Image courtesy Flickr.com