Changes to the Blue Box Program – Starting Dec. 31, 2025
Beginning Dec. 31, 2025, the Town of Georgina will transition its blue box recycling program to an organization called Circular Materials. This change will streamline the recycling of products and packaging throughout Ontario, representing all producers involved. Residents can continue to recycle as they always have, with no immediate change to their routine. Any future modifications to the blue box program will be determined by Circular Materials and will be communicated to the public in a timely manner.
In accordance with the provincial Blue Box Regulation, Ontario's Blue Box Program is moving to a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model. Under this framework, producers of blue box materials will take on the responsibility for collecting, processing and recycling these items. This shift means that companies that manufacture, market and package products will be fully accountable for managing and funding the entire lifecycle of their materials. For more details, visit the Blue Box Regulation.
How does this change affect residents?
Starting Dec. 31, 2025, Circular Materials will fully manage Ontario’s Blue Box program and any program changes will be made at their discretion.
Will the Town still collect garbage, organic waste (green bin) and yard waste?
Yes, the Town of Georgina will continue to provide curbside collection of garbage and organic waste (green bin) to areas that currently receive these services. The collection schedule will remain the same.
The Town is actively updating the website as further information is provided to us by Circular Materials.
Background Information
The Town of Georgina is required to transition to the new Provincial Blue Box regulatory framework on Jan. 1, 2026 to comply with O.Reg. 391/21 This new regulation is being implemented throughout Ontario in two phases:
- Transition period (July 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025); and
- Post-transition period (starting Jan. 1, 2026).
In June 2021, the provincial Blue Box Regulation was finalized to make the producers of recycling materials responsible for their materials, specifically related to recycling costs, to reduce recyclable materials currently going to landfill and enable a common collection blue box program throughout Ontario.
Relevant links
What is Circular Materials?
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that helps producers meet their obligations under extended producer responsibility regulations, like Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation. They are working with producer partners to ensure Ontario’s recycling system is efficient and effective, making sure materials are reused again and again. More information on Circular Materials is available at circularmaterials.ca.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a system where producers of blue box materials such as Coca-Cola, Amazon, Walmart, etc., are responsible for the entire lifecycle of material they produce. Currently, municipalities cover half of the cost of collection and processing of recyclable materials. Under EPR, producers are logistically and financially accountable for their product packaging from production to disposal, helping to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Why is the program changing?
Historically, Ontario’s blue box programs were managed by municipalities, which covered approximately half of the program costs, while producers accounted for the other half. However, under the new Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is shifting to an Extended Producer Responsibility model. In this model, producers – those organizations responsible for the products and packaging placed in the blue box – will assume full responsibility for both operating and funding the program. This transition aims to reduce overall waste, divert materials from landfills and lessen environmental impacts.
What benefits does this new system offer?
Extended Producer Responsibility is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging.
Who is responsible for blue box collection?
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, in the Town of Georgina, Circular Materials will be responsible for the collection of blue box materials from homes and residential buildings throughout Ontario, including the residential portion of mixed commercial and residential properties.
Has Circular Materials announced which contractor will be responsible for collecting blue box materials in Georgina?
No, Circular Materials, as the organization responsible for managing eligible blue box materials in the Town of Georgina, will identify who will collect the blue box by the end of 2025.
What level of service can I expect from the new blue box collection program?
Residential customers will experience the same level of service, however the collection day or the number of recycling streams or collection containers may change. This information will be updated on this page as it is provided to us.
Who do I call if I have questions about blue box collection after January 2026?
Starting in January 2026, the Town of Georgina will not provide customer service related to blue box collection. Once Circular Materials identifies who will collect the blue box in the Town of Georgina, their contact information will be publicized by Circular Materials and by the Town of Georgina. Until that time, questions may be sent directly to Circular Materials at info@circularmaterials.ca or 1-855-354-2772.
You can continue to contact the GFL (Green for Life) 1-866-421-5625 about curbside service for garbage, organic waste (green bins) and yard waste, and any other questions about non-blue box waste management.
Why did the Government of Ontario legislate these changes?
The goal is to make producers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Nestle, Coca Cola, etc.) responsible and accountable for managing the waste they create and incentivize them to generate less waste and to make materials easier to recycle.