Recycle or Repurpose: Windsor Offers Creative Solutions for Unused Bins

As the transition to a new recycling system looms over Windsor, Jim Leether, the city’s senior manager of environment services, is keen on encouraging residents to think creatively about their old recycling bins. The city’s new recycling program, set to be fully operational by January 1, 2026, will require a different type of recycling bin, prompting households to find alternative uses for the existing ones.

A Call to Creativity

In collaboration with the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority, Leether hopes to release guidance on repurposing previously used bins. The aim is to prevent unnecessary waste and landfill contributions. “Utilizing these resources responsibly is a community effort we must all embrace,” he remarks, emphasizing the city’s shared concern.

The Transition to Single-stream Recycling

Circular Materials, a non-profit at the forefront of this new initiative, will oversee Ontario’s recycling efforts with a streamlined system that uses a singular, uniform collection method. As part of this shift, Windsor homes are being equipped with new 95-gallon carts from GFL Environmental, rendering old containers like the famous Herby Curby incompatible with the updated system. However, residents are urged not to despair over this change.

Innovative Ideas for Reuse

Drawing from personal experience, Leether plans to transform his outdated bins into functional yard waste receptacles, suggesting others could follow suit. “Think of them as a blank canvas,” he says, encouraging residents to personalize bins with simple labels like ‘YW’ for yard waste or ‘G’ for garbage—perhaps even a bright-colored lid for easy recognition by collectors.

Maintaining Local Legacy and Jobs

The Herby Curby’s legacy, rich with over 40 years of service and local employment, impels the company to push for its continued participation in the recycling system. Their bins, integrated with hydraulic lifts similar to the new carts, offer a compatibility argument from which residents could benefit.

By embracing resourcefulness and community-devised solutions, Windsor’s residents have the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future without sacrificing utility or local heritage. As these initiatives unfold, Windsor demonstrates an innovative spirit aimed at environmental stewardship.

As stated in AM 800, it’s not just about recycling; it’s about reimagining what recycling can be.