Circular Economy

In 2024, the Town worked with consultant MJ Waste Solutions to engage the local community, particularly commercial and non-profit sectors, to develop a Circular Economy Opportunities Report. Engagement activities included information interviews and a workshop to learn directly about what businesses are already doing to embed circularity into their operations and current challenges related to waste management, gain insights into how the Town can better support a circular economy, and determine potential next steps.

Suggested actions identified in the Circular Economy Opportunities Report may help businesses avoid waste-related costs, improve customer and visitor experiences, improve the sustainability of local business practices, and/or assist the Town in managing waste diversion and landfill services.

• The Blue Mountains Public Library – Library of Things allows those with valid library cards to borrow a wide variety of items, including technology such as cameras, video game consoles, Ontario Parks and Conservation Authority passes, office supplies, sporting equipment, tools, accessibility equipment and more. 
• The Beaver Valley Outreach Treasure Shop diverts materials and textiles from the landfill by selling gently used clothing, children’s toys and small household items at the Treasure Shop and by transferring certain items to other charities such as Habitat for Humanity and Diabetes Canada. 
• The Blue Mountains Repair Café offers area residents the opportunity to bring their broken items to be repaired for free by skilled community volunteers, along with snacks and some good conversation. 
• The Dump Emporium is a reuse centre operated at the Town’s landfill. A range of goods, from furniture to bikes, tools and more, are available at low prices. Every item has been given a second chance, reflecting the Town's commitment to the circular economy and reducing waste. All proceeds from the Dump Emporium support the Town’s grants and donation budget, fueling essential local community organizations and programs.
• The Town’s Municipal Construction Waste and Deconstruction Policy aims to make deconstruction, rather than demolition, the first choice for removal of municipal building components or structures in the event of significant building renovations or removals. This policy establishes a 75% diversion target to avoid sending building materials to the landfill, and to send them into reuse or recycling programs instead.
• A variety of local businesses are exploring circular opportunities in their own operations, from onsite composting to reusable or compostable dishware, to paperless office workflow to prioritizing local and/or sustainable procurement options. Several local businesses also donate surplus food, items and space to local non-profit initiatives, prolonging the value of these items for community benefit and reducing waste. 

A University of Waterloo master’s student led a research project to learn more about single-use packaging use, opportunities, and challenges facing food service businesses in The Blue Mountains. The study author ultimately recommended that the Town explore education and waste infrastructure improvements to support reusable and other sustainable packaging options in the short term, and for the Town to explore municipal policy and economic incentives over the longer term to reduce the amount of single-use packaging ending up in the landfill. 

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Read the Study: Addressing Single-Use Packaging in The Blue Mountains