Thanks to the commitment of our residents, the City of Markham is North America’s leader in waste diversion. Markham City Council recently approved a new and exciting diversion strategy: The Best of the Best — Markham’s Roadmap to 80% Diversion. Its initiatives will improve recycling of electronics and curbside collection. The goal is to have blue boxes and green bins in all Markham schools, including those in Thornhill. Apartments will be offered organics, electronic and textile collection as well as battery recycling containers.

Starting April 30, an unlimited quantity of separated, non-recyclable garbage in clear bags will be accepted instead of our current three-bag limit and tag program.

Why clear bags? Markham’s garbage will be processed for energy recovery and not landfill. Clean waste means clean energy.

Clear bags also ensure everyone is participating and keeps collectors safe. Leftover dark bags can be donated or used to line green bins.

Curbside collection of electronics, such as phones, computers and batteries, will be banned. Ward 1 residents must take hazardous waste to the collection depot on Roddick Road, north of 14th Avenue.

For privacy, a limited number of small opaque bags, such as grocery bags, may be placed within your clear garbage bag. Confidential papers can go in the green bin. Residents can expect a newsletter soon with a $2 coupon for clear bags, which stores across Markham are now carrying.

For more information, please visit www.markham.ca and click Residents, Recycling & Waste, or contact me at 905-479-7747 or vburke@markham.ca.