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: The Township should have more details on the Contractor well before the transition date and will relay that information to all residents at that time. 

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. Starting January 1, 2026, Circular Materials will fully manage Ontario’s Blue Box program.  Any program changes will be made at their discretion.