Recycling

A: Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, of 2016, Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation shifts responsibility for the Blue Box Program to the organizations that produce products and packaging. Under the old system, communities shared the costs. 

Starting July 1, 2023, communities began transitioning their Blue Box programs to this new extended producer responsibility framework. During the transition period (July 1-December 31 2025), you won’t notice any difference in the materials you can recycle however it is not known at this time whether there will be a change to your collection day.. What’s changing is who is responsible for funding and operating the recycling system. 

Once the transition to the new framework is complete in 2026, producers will be fully accountable and financially responsible for recycling the products and packaging that end up in recycling bins. 

A: Circular Materials is the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario.  

Recycling in Ontario - Circular Materials 

Reg. 391/21: BLUE BOX 

Updates to the Blue Box Transition Schedule | Environmental Registry of Ontario 

A: There will be no changes to where your residential recycling is picked up or to the materials collected during the Transition period (July 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025). 

A: As of July 1st, 2025 Emterra Environmental will be the new recycle Contractor for the Township of South Frontenac. As of July 1st, all inquiries concerning replacement bins; missed collection or other recycle questions must go to them. The Township will not be fielding questions regarding recycling after July 1st. Emterras Customer Service can be reached at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca

A: Yes, residents can continue to bring their recycling material to the three Northern Transfer sites, Green Bay, Salem and Bradshaw when open until the end of the 2025 season. Starting January 1, 2026, Circular Materials will fully manage Ontario’s Blue Box program and any future program changes will be made at their discretion. 

A: Your current recycling calendar is valid until June 30, 2025. Prior to July 1 Circular Materials will be issuing a new recycling calendar to residents with collection information going forward. 

A: Yes, during the transition period (January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025), the South Frontenac Recycles  will still be available. All new collection days will be entered into the ReCollect app therefore, if your recycle day is changing it will be easier than ever to get that weekly reminder for both garbage and recycle collection.  As of January 1, 2026, Circular Materials will fully manage Ontario’s Blue Box program and any program changes will be made at their discretion. 

Not that we are aware of. The advertising for collection is Province wide and we have been told that the use of the term yellow Bin is simply to differentiate between weeks. Residents are to remain using their current recycle bins until otherwise told by their new collector Emterra. The Township will no longer be providing new bins to residents or selling bins once our stock is depleted. All bin inquiries are to go to Emterra at customercareont@emterra.ca or 1-888-597-1541 after July 1st.