Toronto/CMEDIA: Toronto residents are reportedly being reminded by the City that effective Jan 1, 2026, the municipality will no longer manage residential recycling services due to provincial legislation requiring a transition to a private provider.
“Recycling is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can fight climate change and protect our environment. Even though the management of the Blue Box program is changing, we still encourage Torontonians to keep doing their part for a sustainable future,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said.
The new operator, Circular Materials, will take over collection and related services for single-family homes, some multi-residential buildings, schools, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes.
At a press conference earlier today, the city management confirmed the City is fully prepared for a smooth transition with a comprehensive communications plan to keep residents informed.
Required under provincial legislation, this transition will see a private company take over recycling collection and related services for single-family homes, some multi-residential buildings, schools, long-term care facilities and retirement homes.
Changes to recycling collection services are not applicable to commercial customers, City divisions or agencies, charities, institutions or religious organizations.
The City has a variety of educational tactics including advertisements, direct mail, social media initiatives, web content and an enhanced 311 customer service strategy to help prepare residents with what they need to know.
What stays the same
Blue bins remain in use. Residents will continue recycling the same materials, with a few new additions.
Schedules stay consistent. The City has already distributed 2026 collection calendars, and residents can check updates online.
Garbage and organics are unaffected. The City will continue to provide garbage collection, green bin organics, and yard waste services.
Participation encouraged. Officials stress that residents should keep recycling regardless of who manages the program as well as to participate in the City’s other waste diversion programs such as green bin organics and yard waste collection.
What’s changing
New provider. Circular Materials becomes the point of contact for all residential recycling services.
Service requests. Missed collections, bin repairs, or replacements must be directed to Circular Materials at 1-888-921-2686 or online.
Scope of change. The transition applies only to residential recycling. Commercial customers, charities, institutions, religious organizations, and City divisions remain unaffected.
Aiming to streamline services and ensure companies take accountability for packaging waste by moving recycling management to a private operator, this transition is part of Ontario’s broader plan and serves to make producers responsible for the materials they put into the marketplace.
