1. Sherry Arcaro, Director of Field Services (Blue Box and Orange Drop)
June 5, 2013

2. The Stats…
Currently 31 out of 200+ programs in Ontario actively promote and collect film plastic at the curb or in drop-off depots
In 2011, 4391 tonnes were markets either as “film plastics” or as part of “mixed plastic” loads

3. What’s in the mix? Grocery bags, bread bags, milk bags
In some areas they also accept toilet paper overwrap, dry-cleaning bags and other over-wrap film packaging
No chip bags, cheese wrappers or stretch wrap.

4. What’s not accepted (now)?
Plastic Laminants

5. Curbside challenges…
#1 - Litter

6. Material Recycling Facility challenges with curbside film
Cross contamination with other commodities – especially newspaper
Difficult to capture off sort line
Other bagged material – cost increase/loss of film

7. Other challenges…
Curbside film highly contaminated (liquids, food, receipts)
Low value and fluctuating market conditions

8. Curbside versus Return to Retail or Depot
Curbside – higher participation/higher contamination
Depot – requires consumer buy-in/cleaner material

9. Technological Solution Needed
Last word…
Curbside can be a success with “bag in bag” programs and substantive P&E
Contamination will always be a big issue at the curb
Adequate processing technology still not available to manage post-consumer curbside material
Technological Solution Needed

10. Sherry Arcaro
Director of Field Services (Blue Box and Orange Drop