Home / Environment / Ontario Blue Box Gets Major Upgrade Jan 1!
Ontario Blue Box Gets Major Upgrade Jan 1!
10 Jan
Summary
- New recycling rules began January 1, 2026, in Ontario.
- Disposable coffee cups and toothpaste tubes are now recyclable.
- The program is now 100% funded by packaging producers.
Effective January 1, 2026, Ontario's blue box program has been significantly enhanced, allowing residents to recycle items such as disposable coffee cups, black plastic, and toothpaste tubes. This change is part of a standardized provincial program, the final phase of a three-year transition initiated in 2023. Hazardous materials like batteries remain unaccepted due to fire risks at facilities.
The revamped program is now fully implemented in 383 municipalities and 12 First Nations communities across Ontario. Managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization, this extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative shifts end-of-life management costs to packaging producers. This transition is projected to save Ontario municipalities more than $200 million.
Residents can verify their community's participation on the Circular Materials website or app. The program standardizes recycling across the province, simplifying the process for individuals. Accepted materials now include a broader range of paper, plastic, foam, metal, and glass items, with specific exceptions noted for certain materials like books and alcoholic beverage containers.
