Calling all recyclers! Circular Materials is launching a Gold Box Contest this October in Hamilton, Ontario to inspire and recognize exemplary recyclers. This virtual contest invites residents to submit photos of their well-sorted recycling bins for a chance to win one of 20 limited-edition gold recycling bins and Circular Materials branded tote bag. Do you have what it takes to be a gold star recycler?
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that will be responsible for operating Ontario’s new recycling system for packaging and paper products. Recently, Circular Materials was proud to announce an enhanced list of recyclable materials across Ontario. Items such as deodorant and toothpaste tubes, coffee cups and ice cream tubs can be recycled across the province starting January 1, 2026.
Resident education and participation in recycling programs are vital to improving recycling rates, protecting the environment and advancing the circular economy. Circular Materials is pleased to see the Gold Box Contest supporting resident engagement with recycling. Last month, the Gold Box Contest put Niagara region residents’ recycling skills to the test – and they delivered. With 134 submissions and a reach of more than 100,000 on social media, local sustainability champions made a lasting impact for their community and the environment.
“We are so pleased with the effort that residents are putting into this contest,” said Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials. “The enthusiastic response we saw in the Niagara region shows that when communities get involved in their local recycling systems, their impact on the circular economy is significant and lasting. We look forward to continuing to recognize residents’ recycling efforts.”
To keep the momentum going, Circular Materials is looking to reward local recyclers who do their part for people and the planet. All single-family home residents in Hamilton, Ontario can enter by simply sorting and placing their recyclables clean, dry and loose in their bins, snapping a picture and submitting it at circularmaterials.ca/gold-box-contest-on/. This contest runs from October 1 to October 31, 2025 and winners will be notified by November 14, 2025.
As Ontario prepares for the full shift to extended producer responsibility (EPR) on January 1, 2026, now is the perfect time to get informed and involved with your local recycling guidelines. Show off your recycling skills and inspire your community today while helping the planet at the same time.
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Media Contact: media@circularmaterials.ca
About Circular Materials – Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that supports producers in meeting their extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations in Ontario and is also the administrator of the common collection system on behalf of all PROs operating in Ontario. We develop, implement and support effective and efficient recycling programs to advance innovation, deliver improved environmental outcomes and drive value across the recycling supply chain. Learn more at circularmaterials.ca.
