Why does the Region not accept Styrofoam and polystyrene in the Blue Box?
Halton Region previously accepted Styrofoam in its Blue Box program. However, the one place in the GTA that took it to be processed closed down. Because there was no where to send this material for recycling, Halton Region removed Styrofoam from the Blue Box. In fall 2008, Regional Council looked at the costs associated with adding this material back into the Blue Box. It is estimated the Region would collect 8 tonnes (8,000 kg) of Styrofoam in one year (compare this to 8 tonnes of pop cans that could be collected in a few days). Styrofoam would represent 0.01 per cent of the total materials collected in the Blue Box. As a result of reintroducing polystyrene (and adding spiral cardboard cans), the overall annual increase to the Blue Box program would be an estimated $219,400. This cost would be off-set by revenues of $3,400 from the sale of polystyrene and spiral cardboard cans. As part of the 2009 budget approval process, Regional Council decided not to include Styrofoam in the Blue B
