The City has launched a new rebate program that aims to help owners prepare space for recycling collection in multi-unit buildings starting in Spring of next year.
The Multi-Unit Recycling Rebate Program will offer a rebate of up to $1,000 to residential building owners, property managers, and condo boards to cover signage, painting, lighting, construction, and repurposing of the recycling area.
The goal is to help building owners prepare a space for residential recycling collection, which will come into effect in May of 2025. This complies with recent amendments made to By-Law W-4, which requires multi-unit building owners to provide access to recycling facilities within their place of residence. Building owners will also be required to register with Circular Materials Atlantic, the company that collects recycling, ahead of that date. The new changes are expected to impact about 565 apartment buildings.
“This program emphasizes our commitment to promoting responsible waste management practices,” said Jillian Hudgins, Environmental Strategist for the City of Fredericton. “Residents have long requested for these changes and the City is pleased to see this new By-Law come into effect early next year.”
The multi-unit residential recycling rebate program was prompted by the City’s Environmental Initiatives to reduce landfill-based waste. It was also one of the most common requests made from residents over the years.
Applications will be reviewed by City staff and pre-approved on a first-come, first-serve basis until Oct. 31 of this year. The $50,000 worth of grant money will be distributed from the City’s Curbside Collection Savings in the 2024 budget. Bins will be provided by Circular Materials Atlantic, which will also be responsible for the cost of collection.
“Better access to recycling services in multi-unit dwellings will have a large impact when it comes to reducing waste in our community,” said Coun. Kevin Darrah, Chair of the City’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. “This is a step in the right direction and will remove many barriers for people in the Fredericton region.”
During the application process, applicants should indicate the amount they wish to be reserved under their name and the type of work they are intending to undertake. They will be required to provide proof of purchase or paid invoices for the work or materials used to prepare the new recycling space, as well as photos of the completed area. Once proof of payment and photos are provided, applicants will be refunded. To be eligible for the program, work must be completed by Nov. 30 of this year.
For additional eligibility information and to apply, building owners can visit: https://www.fredericton.ca/en/form/multi-unit-recycling-grant-