Ontario’s Blue Box Program Changes Recycling Rules

Published by Anna on November 13, 2025

Recycling Changes are on the horizon for residents of Ontario, specifically as they relate to the Blue Box recycling program.

Starting January 1, 2026, significant modifications will be implemented, including the introduction of new accepted materials and a shift to a new recycling collector, Emterra Environmental, in Kawartha Lakes.

This initiative reflects the goals established under Ontario’s 2016 Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act.

As part of this evolution, the program will expand its list of accepted items and refine its collection process, exclusively catering to residential properties.

This article will explore these upcoming changes in detail.

Overview of the Upcoming 2026 Blue Box Transition

Ontario’s recycling landscape is on the verge of a significant transformation.

As of January 1, 2026, the province will experience a pivotal shift in its Blue Box program.

This change stems from the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient approach to recycling.

The government aims to improve recycling rates and uniformity across the province.

By aligning with this legislative framework, Ontario intends to enhance its environmental stewardship and cultivate a circular economy that benefits all of its residents.

Starting in 2026, Kawartha Lakes will witness new developments in its recycling services with the appointment of Emterra Environmental.

The city will begin accepting relevant new materials such as drink cups, Styrofoam, and flexible packaging, marking a considerable expansion of acceptable recyclables.

However, this revamped system will exclusively cater to residential areas, excluding private businesses and nonprofit organizations.

This shift underscores a commitment to improving residential recycling efficiency.

Residents can stay informed through resources such as the city’s website and the Recycle Coach App, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming changes.

For more in-depth information, visit Kawartha Lakes Blue Box Changes.

New Categories of Recyclable Materials

Ontario’s Blue Box program is expanding to include more recyclable materials starting January 1, 2026. This change will help improve environmental sustainability by diverting more waste from landfills.

New materials are highlighted below to give residents a clear idea of what’s now recyclable:

• Drink cups: Includes hot and cold beverage cups that can now be recycled, ensuring that these common items don’t end up in landfills.
• Styrofoam: Often used for packaging, Styrofoam can now be recycled properly, reducing environmental impact.
• Flexible packaging: Items like chip bags and granola bar wrappers are now accepted, aligning with more comprehensive recycling practices.

For further details on upcoming changes, the Kawartha Lakes Recycling Update provides in-depth information.

Residents should remember to continue rinsing and sorting items as usual to maintain recycling efficiency.

Emterra Environmental Becomes Kawartha Lakes’ Collector

Emterra Environmental is set to become the new recycling service provider for Kawartha Lakes starting January 1, 2026. This transition marks a significant change as part of Ontario’s 2016 Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act.

The program will now include an expanded list of recyclable materials such as drink cups, Styrofoam, and flexible packaging, aiming to enhance the region’s recycling capabilities and efficiency.

Such an update promises to improve the way recyclables are handled and processed in the community, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

As the transition to Emterra Environmental takes place, residents can expect adjustments in their recycling routines.

The pick-up schedules will be modified to accommodate the new system, while trucks with distinct Emterra branding will begin circulating, signaling the change.

Moreover, the customer service contact for inquiries related to collection issues, like missed pick-ups or damaged bins, will be redirected to Emterra, ensuring a seamless experience.

It’s important to note that the transition affects services starting precisely on the specified date, requiring residents to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures through the city’s website or the Recycle Coach App for more detailed information.

Residential-Only Collection Rule

Starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Blue Box program will undergo significant changes in its recycling collection services as part of its transition under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act 2016. The collection will exclusively cater to residential properties, which marks a pivotal shift in the way recycling responsibilities are structured within the province.

This means that only households will benefit from the Blue Box pickups, aligning with the province’s extended producer responsibility framework.

As a result, propelled by this legislative change, municipalities including Kawartha Lakes will see Emterra Environmental taking charge of these operations.

Private businesses and nonprofit organizations will no longer be eligible for Blue Box recycling services, necessitating that they arrange for their own recycling solutions.

This equates to a shift where such establishments must independently manage their waste recycling through private collectors.

Consequently, these entities are encouraged to work with commercial recyclers to ensure proper disposal and management of waste materials.

Ontario’s Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act eliminates public sector costs by transferring the responsibility of recycling from communities to individual producers, underscoring a significant alteration in the recycling landscape.

Finding Reliable Information

Navigate the changes in Ontario’s Blue Box recycling by frequently visiting the city’s official website.

The site is a primary resource, providing essential updates on new accepted materials like drink cups and flexible packaging.

Information about changes in its collection policy will be shared promptly, ensuring residents are always informed.

Residents can rely on it as a hub for learning about important adjustments and finding necessary resources.

In addition to the city website, the Recycle Coach App stands out as another invaluable tool.

The app offers real-time alerts and personalized collection schedules, helping residents stay organized.

Its user-friendly interface provides sorting tips and notifications about pick-up days, simplifying the transition to the updated Blue Box program.

Utilizing both the city website and this app will ensure you are thoroughly informed and smoothly adapt to upcoming changes.

For more comprehensive details, explore these online resources further.

In conclusion, residents of Ontario should prepare for the upcoming Recycling Changes in 2026. With new materials accepted and a focus on residential collection, staying informed through the city website and the Recycle Coach App will be crucial for effective participation.