Although we are making progress in other areas, recycling industrial, commerical and institutional waste (IC&I) is still presents problems. The IC&I sector is responsible for a substantial amount of waste in Ontario, contributing approximately 60% of the total waste generated. However, the diversion rate for IC&I waste has lagged behind residential rates. As of 2021, the overall diversion rate for IC&I waste was around 24%, indicating significant room for improvement.

In Stratford, C&I waste is generated by businesses, factories, offices, churches, schools and our hospital. Businesses that deal with chemicals, electronics, or construction materials must follow stricter regulations. The labour cost in separating and dropping off recyclables, and the need for extra space to store them between deliveries are problems faced by many Stratford businesses. Tourist accommodation presents particular challenges: the cost of supplying truly recyclable food receptacles, for example, must figure into the profit and loss sheet of restaurants.
Now that the Ontario government has announced that the blue box program will be transferred to full producer responsibility in 2026, our city will be freed from the responsibility for the residential blue boxes (although it seems doubtful we will have the same level of service).
Elementary schools, public nursing homes, and multi-residential buildings will receive blue box serice, but many other IC&I categories, like businesses, churches, private nursing homes and post-secondary institutions, will not. The City is now working on a policy to deal with this problem, and if this concerns you, you can participate in an opinion survey on Engage Stratford (Closes February 7, 2025)
Non-Hazardous Waste Reduction and Diversion in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Sector