Continuous Improvement Fund (CIF) 2018 Request for Expressions of Interest provides $3.635 million investment to support Ontario Municipalities Blue Box Recycling Programs

The Continuous Improvement Fund (CIF) was established to support Blue Box recycling programs operated by Ontario Municipalities. The 2018 Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) is now open with the goal of investing in new initiatives that align with the priorities of the 2018 CIF Operations Plan. This includes slightly over $2.13 million allocated towards CIF’s Centre of Excellence which focuses on the delivery of tools and services that provide value to municipalities and stewards.

“The REOI focuses on transitional support for municipalities preparing for changes to the Blue Box Program Plan (BBPP) and/or Full Producer Responsibility. Projects that aim to generate cost savings and pursue innovative ideas to improve Blue Box recycling in Ontario will also be considered, though these applications may be placed under additional scrutiny provided the current uncertainty surrounding the BBPP.”

Proposal submissions are due no later than Wednesday, May 9, 2018, by 4:00 p.m. REOI will be carefully reviewed by CIF to determine which projects provide the greatest value and benefits at local, multi-municipal or province-wide levels and present optimal return within their identified priorities (noted below) as well as in the 2018 CIF Operations Plan. The 2018 Funding Priorities are:

• System optimization
• Cost Savings or Cost Containment
• Centre of Excellence projects, including:
• Transitional support in response to new legislation
• Waste composition studies
• Development of better practices and tool kits
• Outreach services
• Procurement and contract management support services
• Research into materials management
• Performance audits Training initiatives

The CIF website has a number of online reference documents and resources to help with the development of your submission.

With the draft Amended Blue Box Program Plan Released by Stewardship Ontario in December 2017, Cambium encourages our clients to be informed about industry changes.  The CIF funding is an opportunity that can provide a means to implement your projects.

Cambium’s Waste Management Specialists – David Bucholtz, Stephanie Reeder, and Rob Arkell – welcome the opportunity to discuss your waste management needs and are happy to explore your project options for the CIF REIO.