My garage is starting to look like a recycling sorting facility, and rats are starting to appear around the neighbourhood, bringing with them illnesses. The shift to bi-weekly recycling pickup has made managing waste items a Herculean task, and it's affecting our community's cleanliness and health.

The cause of this shift is right here:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21391

Obligations for curbside collection
22. A producer who provides curbside collection for an eligible source that is a residence shall,
(a)  collect blue box material from the residence at least every other week;

Ask yourself this: have your yearly property taxes decreased after the change?

Cambridge, Ontario, a city renowned for its commitment to sustainability and cleanliness, deserves a recycling schedule that mirrors its aspirations. The transition to a bi-weekly pickup has inadvertently led to a build-up of recyclable waste in our homes, attracting vermin and posing serious health risks to our families. We are experiencing an increase in pest infestations, which could lead to the spread of diseases.

Furthermore, the change has placed an additional burden on residents who are already dealing with their busy lives. Many of us do not have the space to store weeks' worth of recyclables, and improper storage can exacerbate the pest problem. It's distressing to see our efforts to keep our community clean and green being undermined by this new schedule.

According to a study by the Canadian Journal of Public Health, improperly managed waste can directly correlate with increased rodent populations, which in turn leads to health concerns amongst urban populations. Given this data, it is clear that our current recycling schedule is counterproductive to public health.

We urge Circular Materials, Miller Waste, along with the Waterloo Regional Council, and mostly the Government of Ontario (who introduced this change through legislation) to revert to the weekly recycling pickup schedule. This simple shift can drastically improve our quality of life, promote better health practices, and reinforce our commitment to environmental sustainability. A small adjustment can make a big difference – let's take this step together for a cleaner, healthier Cambridge.

Please lend your voice to this cause by signing this petition. Together, we can prompt positive change in our community and ensure that Cambridge remains a safe and healthy place for all its residents.