Guelph Mayor Criticizes Province’s Recycling Program Rollout Amid Rising Complaints
Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie, has raised significant concerns regarding the recent rollout of the province’s new recycling program. Since the responsibility for blue box collection shifted from the city to Circular Materials in May 2025, complaints from residents have surged by an alarming 1,100 percent.
Frustration Over Service Quality
In an open letter shared on social media, Guthrie expressed his “profound frustration and outright dissatisfaction” with Waste Management Inc. The company is tasked with collecting recycling materials in Guelph under contract. Mayor Guthrie indicated that residents have consistently reported issues such as missed pickups, unclear routes, and confusion over recycling guidelines.
Mayor’s Call for Action
In his letter, Guthrie urged immediate action to remedy these service failures. “Please do not dismiss or underestimate the depth of public anger,” he stated. He emphasized the urgent need for “swift, meaningful change” to restore trust and reliability in the recycling program.
Statements from Circular Materials
In response to the criticism, Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, claimed that the rollout has been largely successful. He stated, “Overall, the transition in the City of Guelph has been smooth, and our teams are quick to resolve resident inquiries.” He attributed some recent issues to unforeseen weather-related delays impacting service.
Government Response
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks also acknowledged the challenges, stating that Circular Materials is actively collaborating with communities and contractors to ensure service delivery issues are addressed.
Impact on City Resources
Despite initial smooth operations, Mayor Guthrie noted a significant uptick in complaints over the past six months, placing an unexpected strain on city staff. In January alone, the city received 78 complaints. Guthrie raised concerns about the financial and operational impact of addressing issues related to a service the city no longer manages.
- Residents are encouraged to report missed or delayed pickups directly to Waste Management.
- Guthrie emphasized that routing complaints through city hall complicates and delays responses.
Future Collaborations
To address these issues, a meeting has been scheduled involving Guthrie, city staff, and Waste Management representatives. Guthrie believes that the companies are taking these matters seriously and are seeking solutions to improve the situation. He expressed optimism that conditions will improve moving forward.
