Dufferin County

ON

Learn more about your recycling program.

Update

We are pleased to share the following update for Dufferin County residents. Residents will begin receiving their new recycling carts starting March 2026. For residents interested in receiving a smaller 240L recycling cart vs. the standard 360L recycling cart, a Recycling Cart Request Form will be available from mid-December 2025 through to January 15, 2026. Circular Materials will let residents know as soon as the form and supporting information are available.

Questions?

For questions related to:

Replacement recycling containers.
Missed collections.
What you can recycle.

Please contact:

GFL Environmental

Dispatch-Sandhill@gflenv.com

1-888-941-3345

For concerns or other recycling-related questions, please contact Circular Materials:
customerservice@circularmaterials.ca
1-877-667-2626

Recycling resources

Learn more about recycling collection in Dufferin County.

Recycling guide and calendar

https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Dufferin-County-Waste-Guide-2025-2026-003-new.pdf

What’s accepted

Metal Containers

Plastics Containers

Paper

Cardboard

Glass

Beverage Containers

What you can recycle

Be recycle ready

Give containers a quick rinse before putting in your recycling.
Place materials clean, dry and loose in your recycling.
Flatten and bundle cardboard to save space.
Lids and labels can remain on containers.
Have your recycling to the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.
Hazardous materials, like batteries and medical sharps, do not belong in your recycling. Safely recycle them at a designated drop off location.

What’s not accepted

Books

Toys

Diapers

Pot and Pans

Hazardous Materials

Batteries

Did you receive an oops sticker?

Did you notice a yellow oops sticker on your recycling? This means your recycling had one of the following challenges:

Oversized cardboard was placed in your recycling.
Unaccepted items were included in your recycling.
Harmful materials were found in your recycling.
Incorrect container type was used for recycling.
Materials were not clean, dry, and empty.

How to be recycle ready

Follow these simple tips to ensure your materials are ready for collection and recycling:

- Flatten and bundle your cardboard to save space in your recycling.
- Check what’s accepted for recycling by reviewing the list of accepted materials.
- Keeping hazardous items out of recycling – check with your community for safe disposal methods.
- Use the correct recycling container type.

Place materials clean, dry, and empty in your recycling.

Questions?

For questions about oops stickers, contact your recycling contractor.

FAQs

How should I set out my cart for collection?

Set your recycling cart so that the wheels are away from the curb (towards your home, and the lid opens to the street).

Place recycling carts at least three feet in front of or beside fences or vehicles.

Place your cart on a flat surface clear of snow and ice.

What if I have excess recyclables that will not fit into the cart?

If your recyclables don’t fit, save them for your next collection day.

Can I request a second cart?

To request an additional recycling cart, contact GFL to purchase at 1-877-426-4351, dufferin@gflenv.com or their webform after January 1, 2026.

What if I bought my own cart, can I set it out for collection?

Residents are required to use the recycling cart provided by GFL. These recycling carts have increased storage capacity and can hold more than the capacity of two blue boxes.

What are the benefits of using recycling carts?

Recycling carts, with lids fully closed, help minimize litter and reduce odour and pest issues.

Increased storage capacity between collections allows for more space for your recyclables.

Collection systems with recycling carts create a safer working environment for workers and reduce the risk of injury and accidents.

What should I do if I have accessibility concerns or require special accommodations?

GFL will be working with residents to make any necessary provisions on a case-by-case basis. We understand the importance of supporting recycling efforts and are committed to supporting residents during this transition to recycling carts. If you have an inquiry regarding the use of recycling carts or require assistance, please contact GFL at 1-877-426-4351, dufferin@gflenv.com or their webform after January 1, 2026.

What should I do with my excess cardboard?

If cardboard will not fit in your recycling cart, save it for your next collection day, or place it in bundles (3 ft x 2 ft x 1 ft) broken down flat and tied with string or rope, beside your recycling cart.

Find out more about Ontario's recycling program

Latest educational features

September 12, 2025

Battery recycling

Did you know that putting batteries in your recycling can pose serious safety risks to workers and facilities, as well as harm the environment?

April 14, 2025

Benefits of recycling

By giving materials a second life, we reduce the strain on natural resources, lower pollution, and help create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. It’s a simple yet meaningful step everyone can take to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible way of living.

October 22, 2020

Plastics 101

Have you ever wondered about the different types of plastics and how they affect our planet? Understanding plastics is key to making informed choices and contributing to a cleaner, greener world.

October 14, 2020

ON