Canada Fibers Discusses Blue Box Contamination on On Point Radio

In an insightful appearance on On Point Radio, representatives from Canada Fibers Ltd. addressed one of the most pressing issues facing municipal recycling programs today: Blue Box contamination. As a leader in sustainable waste management and recycling innovation, Canada Fibers continues to advocate for smarter collection systems and better public education to improve recycling effectiveness across Ontario and beyond.

What Is Blue Box Contamination?

Blue Box contamination occurs when non-recyclable materials, food waste, or improperly sorted items are placed in curbside recycling bins. This contamination makes it more difficult—and more expensive—to process recyclables effectively.
According to the Government of Ontario, contamination levels in municipal programs can reach up to 30%, creating significant operational challenges for facilities like MRF Complex, where materials are sorted and prepared for reuse.

Highlights from the On Point Radio Interview

During the radio interview, Canada Fibers representatives emphasized:

• The need for better labeling and clearer recycling guidelines for consumers.
• How modern facilities like the company’s Urban Mining and Urban Polymers divisions are helping to automate and clean material recovery.
• The potential for reducing costs and increasing efficiency through public engagement and education.

Listeners were also encouraged to visit local municipal websites for more information about accepted materials and best practices for reducing contamination.

How Canada Fibers Is Responding to the Challenge

As part of its commitment to circular economy leadership, Canada Fibers has implemented a number of innovative solutions to tackle Blue Box contamination:

• Advanced optical sorting technology in material recovery facilities.
• Consumer education efforts through outreach programs and media appearances.
• Investments in sustainable solutions such as Urban Biofuels and Urban Garden Products, which make productive use of waste materials.

These strategies align with Canada Fibers’ broader vision of reducing landfill dependency and increasing post-consumer material recovery.

Recommended Video

Want to understand how contamination impacts recycling operations? Watch:
Why Recycling Isn’t Working (And What to Do About It)

Continuing the Conversation on Sustainability

The discussion on On Point Radio reflects a growing awareness of the challenges facing recycling systems in Canada. As Canada Fibers Ltd. continues to innovate and educate, it remains committed to transforming waste into value—and helping municipalities and consumers do the same.
To learn more about the company’s history and mission, visit the Company History page or explore their work in Business Services.