What is the Blue Box Regulation?
In June 2021, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) introduced a new Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21: Blue Box) that makes producers fully responsible for collecting and recycling the packaging and paper products they supply to consumers.
The regulation requires producers to:
- Operate the residential recycling system
- Fund all residential recycling costs
- Meet material recovery targets
- Provide consistent service across Ontario
Municipalities no longer operate the residential Blue Box program.
What is happening on January 1, 2026?
- Niagara Region will stop recycling collection for non-eligible sources (NES) such as
businesses, institutions, and places of worship. - Collection contractors will consolidate under a single provider, Miller Waste Systems, for
all residential recycling. - A province-wide standardized material list will apply across Ontario.
- Expanded recycling list: new items like coffee cups, black plastics, flexible
packaging, straws, and multi-laminate pouches will be accepted.
- Circular Materials has not indicated any changes to collection schedules or recycling
containers at this time. - The Region will continue providing garbage, green bin, yard waste and large-item
collection. - Recycling service continues for eligible residential properties under Circular Materials.
Who are producers and what do they do?
Producers are companies that supply packaging, paper products, or packaging-like products made of paper, glass, metal, or plastic to consumers in Ontario. They are now responsible for funding and operating the residential recycling system.
Which properties are eligible for recycling collection under the Producer-led system?
Eligible properties include:
- Low-density residential homes
- Multi-residential buildings
- Residential components of mixed-use buildings
- Public and private schools
- Certain long-term care and retirement homes
Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (IC&I) properties (e.g., businesses, places of worship, community organizations), also commonly referred to as Non-Eligible Sources (NES), are not eligible under the new Blue Box system.
