Two state-of-the-art recycling facilities in Cambridge and Greater Napanee have begun receiving and processing recyclables, delivering advanced capacity, innovation and local jobs for Ontario.
February 5, 2026 – As of January 1, 2026, households across the province are benefitting from a new producer-funded, province-wide recycling program that makes it easier for Ontarians to recycle more materials. WM is supporting this enhanced system with two new state-of-the-art processing facilities, which are now open and have begun operations in Cambridge and the Greater Napanee area.
With capacity to support the processing of approximately 30 per cent of Ontario’s total blue box volumes, these facilities have a critical role in helping to optimize the province’s new recycling system. These new sites will help streamline processes, particularly as Circular Materials rolls out a new unified material list across the province which expands the number of items that can be recycled. Now Ontarians, no matter where they live in the province, can recycle the same items, including hot and cold beverage cups (coffee cups), black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, toothpaste tubes, deodorant and more. A unified and enhanced system will help make it easier for residents to recycle more materials, improving recovery rates.
Each site has created approximately 40 local jobs, for a total of more than 80 positions across both facilities. These sites are equipped with advanced material separation technologies, including optical sorters, artificial intelligence and robotics. These advancements help to streamline processes, increase accuracy and efficiency, and enable a strong focus on innovation, safety and material quality that supports a more circular future.
Images of the new WM recycling facility in Greater Napanee.
Circular Materials, the Common Collection System administrator and not-for-profit organization responsible for managing Ontario’s new residential recycling system, is thrilled to recognize this major achievement and the benefits it will bring to residents, communities and the environment.
“These facilities reflect the strong partnerships driving Ontario’s transition to extended producer responsibility and the momentum building across the province’s recycling system. Collaboration with WM, along with producers and other recycling partners, is essential to strengthening our systems and supporting a more circular future for all Ontarians,” stated Allen Langdon, CEO, Circular Materials.
The facilities are designed to increase overall recycling capacity and support Ontario’s expanded material list. Advanced sorting technologies allow scanners, analysers and optical sorters to communicate with one another and with technicians, helping improve material quality and system functionality. Each facility is capable of processing up to 160,000 metric tonnes of material per year and features 19 optical sorters, including units with AI integration, contributing to the modernization of Ontario’s recycling processing infrastructure.
Images of the new WM recycling facility in Cambridge.
“Investing in Ontario’s recycling infrastructure allows WM to support the province’s recycling system today and over the long term,” said Tracy Black, President, WM Canada.
As Ontario’s recycling system continues to evolve, progress relies on shared commitment among producers, communities and partners across the recycling industry. Together, WM and Circular Materials are proud to build on this momentum and work collaboratively toward a more sustainable recycling future for people and the planet.
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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.
