Ontario's Blue Box Transition | Township of Huron-Kinloss

What it means for the Township of Huron-Kinloss

Changes are coming to the Blue Box Program in Huron-Kinloss. Blue Box programs in Ontario are moving to a new collection system that is fully funded and operated by producers of recycling materials. The new collection system will make recycling easier by standardizing what can be recycled across Ontario. Please read below to understand how it will affect you.

Businesses and Institutions

Homeowners and Residents

When is this Happening?

Starting January 1, 2026, the Township of Huron-Kinloss—along with all other municipalities in Ontario—will no longer operate the Blue Box Program.

Where will this Apply?

The new common collection system for residential recycling will be implemented province-wide across Ontario in all municipalities including First Nations communities.

Why the Change?

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has introduced new legislation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility for recycling from municipalities to the producers of packaging, paper, and similar materials. This new collection model aligns with the Blue Box Regulation made under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act and is a key part of the province's Strategy for a Waste Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy.

What do these Changes Mean for You?

The upcoming changes to waste and recycling collection will affect residential and Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) properties differently. Homeowners will see minimal changes—curbside collection continues as usual with a few small updates. Businesses and institutions, however, will see bigger changes, including the end of municipal recycling collection.

Business and Institutions

Under provincial regulations, municipalities have never been required to provide waste and recycling services to industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) properties. While the Township of Huron-Kinloss has historically offered this service to support our community, new rules mean these properties are no longer eligible for municipal recycling collection.

Here is what you can expect for Blue Box collection starting January 1, 2026, if you are an industry, commercial, industrial property (ICI).

What Will Change:

ICI properties which include businesses, farms, places of worship, daycares, not-for-profit organizations, and municipal/public facilities will no longer be provided with curbside Blue Box collection through the Blue Box Program.
Public recycling depots at the Huron and Kinloss Landfills, as well as cardboard recycling bins in Point Clark, Ripley, and Lucknow, will be removed.
ICI properties must make a decision on how to manage their recyclable waste.

We Want Your Input:

These changes to the Blue Box program will directly affect non-eligible properties like yours. Your feedback will help us explore viable solutions that meet the needs for properties no longer covered under the new regulations.

Please take a moment to complete the online survey below or contact us to request a paper copy. Your participation is appreciated as we work together to adapt to these changes.

Blue Box Transition Survey

Homeowners and Residents

Here is what you can expect for Blue Box collection starting January 1, 2026 if you are a homeowner or resident:

What remains the same:

If you are a homeowner/resident your blue box will be picked up at the curbside as it is now.
The collection contractor is expected to remain the same under the operation of Bruce Area Solid Waste and Recycling (BASWR).

What will change:

Corrugated cardboard will be accepted in your blue box.
We expect there will be more types of materials accepted as Circular Materials develops a province wide recycling system.
All multi-residential properties will become eligible for Blue Box pick-up throughout the province, even those who've previously had a private recycling collection.
Under the new regulations, the Township of Huron-Kinloss will be required to remove public recycling facilities. The public recycling facilities include recycling bins at the Huron Landfill and Kinloss Landfill as well as cardboard recycling depots in Point Clark, Ripley and Lucknow.

FAQ's

Who are considered producers and what do they have to do?

The Blue Box Regulation details in Part II who is considered a producer. Specifically, this includes industrial, commercial, and institutional properties who will no longer receive blue box services through this new change.

This means many businesses will be affected as the new system requires producers to be responsible for:

their own collection and recycling of blue box materials
reporting to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority
meeting increasing targets for materials they collect and recycle

By placing full financial, operational, and performance accountability for the blue box program on the producers of blue box materials, the Ontario government looks to create a direct incentive to reduce waste and improve recycling which will then decrease natural resource extraction and pollution, including greenhouse gases.

What does extended Producer Responsibility mean?

The Extended Producer Responsibility model changes who is responsible for the collection, processing, and recycling of materials. It requires those who design, create, and market products to be responsible through its entire life cycle.

This shift encourages more effective production and management of packaging with a goal of overall waste reduction.

What are ICI properties?

ICI stands for industrial, commercial, and institutional properties. These include:

All private sector businesses
Churches and Places of Worship
Daycares
Campgrounds
Public Buildings such as libraries, arenas, municipal and administrative facilities
Commercial farms
Not for profits

What is a common collection system?

A common collection system means that all municipalities and First Nations communities in Ontario will have the same capabilities to recycle the same materials. We expect that more types of material will be included in this collection system ie. corrugated cardboard and paper coffee cups. More information will be coming as we transition.

Who do I contact for recycling collection inquiries?

Homeowners and Residents is expected to continue to have their Blue Boxes picked up at the curbside by Bruce Area Solid Waste and Recycling (BASWR). You can contact them with questions at 1-800-794-9770.

To learn more about the new Blue Box Program effective January 1, 2026, please visit circularmaterials.ca . Circular Materials is planning to launch a public education campaign beginning in November 2025.

Industries, Commercial, and Institutional Properties may contact the Manager of Environmental Services at the Township of Huron-Kinloss 519-395-3735.

Will there be changes to the current recycling collection schedule?

Curbside collection scheduling will be under the direction of Circular Materials as of January 1, 2026. We do not expect a change to frequency of collection at this time.

You can pick up a copy of the 2025 schedule at the Township office, local retailers, or at the links below.

To find out your section, click on the Garbage and Recycling Pick-up Map.
To find the collection schedule click here 2025 Blue Box Schedule

Where do I get a new or replacement Blue Box?

Blue boxes may be purchased at the Municipal Office, 21 Queen St, or the Huron Landfill site, 2087 Concession 6 E for $16.00/box.

What is acceptable in my Blue Box?

Click here for details on What Can I Recycle.

For more information go to Circular Materials and search Ontario.