Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Markham announces new contract with Miller Waste Systems and expanded fleet

MARKHAM, ON – March 1, 2022 – The City of Markham continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and cutting-edge waste management practices. After completing a comprehensive public procurement process in 2020, Markham Council awarded the new, eight-year collection contract to Miller Waste Systems. The new collection contract begins on March 1, 2022, featuring a new fleet of 50 collection trucks.

The new contract includes many enhancements that benefit Markham residents. In anticipation of Ontario’s new provincial Blue Box legislation, Markham’s blue box recyclables will now be collected separately from green bin organics and clear bag garbage, by two separate trucks. All items Recyclables and organics will still be collected on the same day and there is no change to collection schedules. Green bin organics and clear bag garbage will be co-collected in a “rear load” truck that has two compartments keeping material separated.

“Markham has an award-winning legacy of environmental sustainability,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti,” and this new contract will ensure that we are poised to continue building on that success. The City’s environmental initiatives and excellent service levels go hand-in-hand with our residents' commitment to properly sort their waste materials and increase waste diversion.”

Markham’s waste diversion milestones and achievements:

2020:

Styrofoam Packaging banned from curbside collection, targeting the diversion of Styrofoam packaging from landfill and incineration. Utilizing the City’s four Markham Recycling Depots, residents have an alternate, cost-effective recycling option for their Styrofoam material.

2017:

Textile Recycling Program introduced, including banning household textiles from curbside collection. As of 2021, Markham’s program has collected more than 20 million pounds of donations, resulting in unwanted textiles diverted from landfill and incineration, creating local jobs and supporting Markham communities.

2013:

Clear bags for garbage introduced, allowing collectors to identify if recyclables, organics, hazardous and electronic material have been improperly disposed
Electronic waste (e.g. TVs, computers) banned from curbside collection, keeping harmful metals out of the landfill and allowing valuable parts such as glass, plastic, gold, silver, copper and palladium to be recycled.

Positive impacts include:

Increased waste diversion and recycling of Styrofoam:
- Nov 2019 - April 2020 = 12 tonnes
- Nov 2020 - April 2021 = 30 tonnes
Increased recycling of other acceptable Depot materials
Creation of local jobs at Recycling Depots and densification services
Increased curbside collection efficiency and decreased litter from set-outs

2021 Environmental recognition awards:

CAMA (Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators) - 2021 Environmental Award
AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) - 2021 PJ Marshall Municipal Innovation Award

Related links:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and City Councillors unveil new recycling-only trucks.

Green bin organics and clear bag garbage are now collected in rear-load trucks.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Miller Waste Systems Owner & CEO, Blair McArthur, announce new 8-year waste management contract.

-30-

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
At media@markham.ca.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 354,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.