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 of packaging and paper materials.
Transition to EPR will take place between 2023-2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026.
Toronto recycling carts have been stickered with information about Circular Materials, who now manage the recycling program.
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.
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.
Yes, all multi-family residential buildings (including high rises and low rises) that previously received recycling collection services from the City of Toronto will continue to receive services through Circular Materials and our collection contractor GFL.
The recycling collection frequency that was previously in place for each specific multi-family residential building and other facilities will remain the same.
Yes, in alignment with Ontario’s Blue Box regulation, facilities that were not serviced by the City of Toronto prior to transition become eligible to register for residential recycling collection services with the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) in 2031.
Property managers of multi-family residential building(s) should contact GFL directly at 1-888-921-2686 to discuss the potential need for additional recycling bins.
If you have questions or require support, please contact the Circular Materials team at: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca or call 1-877-667-2626.
