Essex-Windsor region is undergoing changes to its recycling program. This page provides further information on the changes underway, including how to request and determine the appropriately sized recycling cart to meet your household recycling needs.
Each household will receive a 360-litre wheeled, lidded recycling cart designed to hold two weeks of recyclables and accommodate a broader range of accepted materials.
If this size cart does not meet your needs, you can request an exchange for a smaller sized recycling cart. To ensure residents are choosing a recycling cart that meets their recycling needs, we recommend reviewing the below considerations. It is important to note that only one cart exchange is permitted per address.
We recommend using your 360-litre recycling cart for at least three bi-weekly collection pickups (i.e., over six weeks) to understand your needs before requesting a smaller size.
If, based on the above considerations, you would like to proceed with an exchange for a smaller 240-litre cart, please complete the Recycling Cart Exchange Request Form. The timeline for recycling cart exchanges will depend on supply chain system availability and are anticipated to be available after February 1, 2026.
Yes. If the standard 360-litre cart does not meet your recycling needs, you can request an exchange for a smaller 240-litre cart by completing the Recycling Cart Exchange Request Form. To ensure residents are choosing a recycling cart that meets your needs, we recommend reviewing the below considerations. It is important to note that only one cart exchange is permitted per address.
We recommend using your 360-litre recycling cart for at least three bi-weekly collection pickups (i.e., over six weeks) to understand your needs before requesting a smaller size. The timeline for exchanging your cart will depend on the cart manufacturer’s inventories and production schedule. For more information, please contact our collection contractor at WERecycling@gflenv.com or 1-888-415-4351.
The timeline for exchanging your cart will depend on the cart manufacturer’s inventories and production schedule. Delivery timelines will be shared as they become available and are anticipated after February 1, 2026, based on current production schedules.
There will be no changes to your recycling collection day or frequency.
Blue box materials, particularly cardboard, must be broken down and flattened to support using the space efficiently. Residents who require a second cart will be able to request one starting January 1, 2026, after you have experienced three collection cycles. If another recycling cart is deemed necessary, a second cart will be provided at no cost.
It is important that this only applies to households with the standard issued 360-litre recycling cart. A second cart will not be provided for households who exchange for a smaller 240–litre size recycling cart.
Residents are asked to use their current blue boxes until the end of the year. Starting January 1, 2026, residents are required to use their new recycling carts. Residents can choose to re-purpose their old boxes, such as using them as storage containers.
A full list of materials that can be recycled can be found here. Starting January 1, 2026, you will be able to recycle the same materials no matter where you are in the province. The list of materials accepted for recycling has also expanded to include additional items such as hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, deodorant and toothpaste tubes.
Anyone experiencing a permanent or temporary physical disability that restricts their ability to set out their recycling cart at the curbside may be eligible for assisted collection service. Please note, a physician’s note is required to apply for this assisted service. Please visit our website to access the Special Accommodation Recycling Collection Form.
GFL will continue to be the collection contractor for all communities in the Essex-Windsor region.
The RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag on your cart helps ensure your recycling cart is correctly registered to your address. This technology helps prevent lost or misplaced carts and supports efficient service delivery. The tag does not collect any personal information or track your activities.
