Updated Agreement with Centra Cam for Depot Operations

In June 2025, Council authorized the City to enter into a 15-month agreement with Centra Cam Vocational Training Association (Centra Cam) for the management and operation of the Recycle Depot. Under that agreement, Centra Cam has been responsible for day-to-day depot operations, including the collection and processing of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) materials and several other recyclable and diversion materials accepted at the facility.

With the current agreement set to expire on September 30, 2026, and the EPR Single-use Products, Packaging and Paper Products (PPP) depot operations contract extended through December 31, 2027, Administration brought forward recommendations to help ensure depot operations can continue during the same period.

After reviewing the proposed changes, Council approved the following updates:

• Commercial Cardboard Collection: changing to a collection-only service using bins rather than continuing to process cardboard at the depot.
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection: adding household hazardous waste collection to the Centra Cam agreement. This will provide residents with a local option for safely disposing of household hazardous materials while the City continues to explore long-term options for this service. Council will consider the location and scope of a future permanent household hazardous waste depot later this fall.
• Residential Waste and Organics Cart Maintenance: transferring responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the City's residential waste and organics carts to Centra Cam. Bringing this work under the Recycle Depot operation is expected to improve efficiency and create a more streamlined service for residents.

The Recycle Depot will continue to offer a variety of recycling and waste diversion services for residents. Accepted materials will continue to include electronics, paint, used oil containers, batteries, books, egg cartons, and other approved materials. The depot will also continue to support EPR recycling programs, including residential packaging and paper products.

As curbside recycling is introduced, fewer residential recycling bins will be needed at the Recycle Depot. However, recycling drop-off options will remain available for residents who prefer to use the depot and for eligible multi-family properties that do not receive curbside collection.

These changes will help support the ongoing operation of the Recycle Depot, maintain important recycling and waste diversion services, and align depot operations with current recycling programs and funding agreements through the end of 2027.