New producer-funded recycling program in place in Ontario

Area residents can add more materials to their blue box in 2026.

It is part of the changes taking place as Ontario’s recycling program shifts to a producer-funded one.

Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, is now responsible for managing programs and taking the burden off municipalities.

The new programs include a unified list of materials that can be recycled, eliminating a host of different collection policies that were formerly in place.

“Ontario residents will now be able to recycle more materials than ever before and recycle the same materials no matter where they live across the province,” states Allen Langdon, Chief Executive Officer of Circular Materials, in a release.

“This will make recycling easier for residents, improve recovery rates and help advance a circular economy in Ontario.”

Producers, the companies that supply packaging and paper products to consumers, now fund 100% of Ontario’s blue box recycling program.

The province announced in 2021 its plans to shift the financial and operational responsibility of recycling to producers.

“By requiring producers to take full responsibility for operating and funding the residential Blue Box system, we are protecting Ontario with a stronger and more sustainable program that will help reduce waste and increase diversion, while reducing costs for municipalities,” states Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

“It will make recycling easier and more consistent, with a standardized and expanded list of materials that residents will be able to recycle in every community across Ontario.”

The province says the move will save Ontario municipalities over $200 million.

Circular Materials says it has been working with communities to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

It plans to introduce a new recycling app to give residents quick access to reminders, accepted material lists and alerts.