Starting in 2026, Toronto’s recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials – the administrator of the common collection system and a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario. Until 2026, please continue to refer to the city’s website for recycling information.
In 2021, the Ontario government passed a new regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of blue box recycling programs to producers – those that produce and supply blue box materials to residents. In this new extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, producers are responsible for funding and operating the collection and recycling packaging and paper materials.
Transition to extended producer responsibility will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026.
As we prepare for the new recycling framework in 2026, Toronto recycling carts will be stickered with information about Circular Materials who will manage the recycling program next year.
Here’s what you need to do:
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization building an efficient and effective recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled, and returned back to producers to use as recycled content in new packaging and paper.
As the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, Circular Materials is responsible for operating the new system for blue box materials. Circular Materials is committed to increasing recycling rates across Ontario and ensuring more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment.
EPR is a framework in which producers – the businesses that supply paper and packaging to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials. EPR enables innovation,
operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials. It is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates.
EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging.
As of July 3, 2024, Toronto residents are able to place their plastic lined hot and cold beverage cups in their recycling bin as part of a pilot program. This includes hot drink cups used for coffee and tea and cold drink cups used for fountain drinks.
Toronto residents can recycle this material in single and multi-residential homes, long-term care homes, retirement homes and elementary/high schools. Learn more at circularmaterials.ca/beveragecups.
