Recycling
New Service Provider - Circular Materials
Ontario’s transition to producer responsibility
In 2021, the Ontario government released the Blue Box Regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of recycling programs to producers – those that produce and supply blue box materials to residents. In this new extended producer responsibility framework, producers become financially and operationally responsible for collecting and recycling blue box materials.
What does this transition mean for residents?
Transition to the new framework will occur in a phased approach over the next two and a half
years. During this time, Ontarians will still be able to recycle the same materials as before.
Residents with recycling questions can contact their community’s contractor.
Community-specific recycling information can be found at circularmaterials.ca/ON
Why the transition is important
- Historically, Ontario’s blue box programs were operated by municipalities who shared the costs with producers. Now, under the Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is transitioning to a new model where producers are fully responsible for operating and funding the entire blue box program.
- In 2026, Ontario can expect a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates. This includes a consistent list of recyclable materials across the province.
- This new system operated by Circular Materials represents the evolution from product stewardship to a more circular economy where materials are collected, recycled and used again as recycled content in new packaging and products.
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