What’s happening to Ontario’s recycling program?
Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will complete its transition to an enhanced recycling system where producers – those organizations that supply packaging and paper materials to residents – are 100% responsible for funding and managing the recycling program.
This new system is managed by Circular Materials, the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for profit organization that is committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems. As part of this new recycling system, residents will be able to recycle more than ever before at the curb. Ontarians will also be able to recycle the same materials no matter where they are across the province – supporting consistency and making the program more accessible.
Learn more about Ontario’s upcoming recycling system.
Why is Ontario’s recycling program changing?
Historically, Ontario’s blue box recycling programs were managed by communities who were responsible for paying approximately half of the costs, with producers responsible for the other half. Under the Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is introducing a new model where producers are 100% responsible for operating and funding the program.
What new materials can residents recycle?
As of January 2026, residents will be able recycle more than ever before at the curb, including hot and cold beverage cups, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, deodorant, toothpaste tubes and more. Learn more about Ontario’s new recycling system.
Where can I learn about my local recycling program in 2026?
Residents can visit circularmaterials.ca/recycleontario to learn about their local recycling program, including collection schedules, what can go in their recycling, customer service information, etc. On this page, residents can enter their community and access local recycling information, including customer service numbers and more.
In 2026, Circular Materials will also be releasing a recycling app, making it easy for residents to check their recycling collection schedule, see what materials are accepted, receive service alerts and more.
Who can residents contact for a recycling inquiry?
For general recycling questions, replacement bin requests, accommodation requests or missed collections, residents can contact their local collection contractor. Contact information for each community’s collection contractor is listed on their dedicated community webpage at circularmaterials.ca/ON.
Who can residents contact if they would like to escalate their concerns?
If residents have concerns about contractor service, they can contact Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca or 1-877-667-2626.
Who can I contact if my office has any questions related to the new recycling program?
If your office has questions related to the new recycling program, please contact communications@circularmaterials.ca.
Will there be major changes to recycling collection compared to before transition?
Circular Materials aims to maintain and enhance recycling services that were provided prior to transition. Enhancements include residents being able to recycle more materials, and the same materials no matter where they are across Ontario.
Who is Circular Materials?
Circular Materials is the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, and responsible for operating the new recycling system for blue box materials in 2026. This includes enabling innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels and access to materials. For example, last year, Circular Materials announced a pilot for the recycling of both hot and cold paper-based and plastic-lined beverage cups at home and other eligible locations in Toronto. This pilot marked the first step towards incorporating these materials in recycling systems across all cities and communities in Ontario by 2026.
Circular Materials is committed to increasing recycling rates across Ontario and ensuring more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment.
Who are the other parties involved in Ontario’s move to this new recycling system?
Circular Materials, Ryse Solutions, Landbell Canada and EnvironFocus Incorporated are the producer responsibility organizations (PROs) that are operating Ontario’s new common collection system.
What does extended producer responsibility (EPR) mean?
EPR is a framework in which producers – the businesses that supply paper and packaging to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials. EPR enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials.
Recycling programs founded on the principles of EPR improve recycling rates and encourage the more efficient use of materials. Learn more here.