Province Takes Over Recycling in 2026: Changes Coming for Businesses and Multi-Unit Buildings

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Province of Ontario will take full responsibility for managing Blue Box recycling collection across the province. Under this new producer-responsibility model, recycling collection for residential properties in Georgian Bluffs will continue as usual, however the change also brings a significant shift for non-residential properties.

Under the new provincial regulations, the government of Ontario will no longer be collecting recycling from industrial, commercial, and institutional (IC&I) properties, including multi-residential buildings with six or more units, in any Ontario municipalities.

Most IC&I and multi-residential properties in Georgian Bluffs already use private recycling services, and may not notice a change. However, those who have relied on Township curbside collection will need to make new arrangements before the January cutoff.

The Township has shared information directly with affected property owners, and encourages them to reach out to local providers such as Waste Management (Mount Forest) or Miller Waste (Owen Sound) to discuss service options. Contact details and further guidance are available at www.georgianbluffs.ca/waste.

The new provincial recycling system will, however, expand the list of accepted materials in residential pickups. The following items, which were not accepted before, will now be collected across the province:

• Hot and cold beverage cups (like takeout coffee cups)
• Black plastic containers
• Frozen juice containers
• Ice cream tubs
• Deodorant and toothpaste tubes

For questions about the province’s recycling system or the producer-responsibility model, contact Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca or call 1-877-667-2626.