Ontario is standardizing its Blue Box program in 2026. Learn about the new EPR framework, expanded accepted materials, and how to prepare your recycling for the change.
Ontario’s Recycling System: A Shift to Extended Producer Responsibility in 2026
The Province of Ontario is completing a significant shift in its residential recycling program, transitioning to a system based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Blue Box materials. Starting in 2026, this new framework will bring a standardized and more comprehensive approach to recycling across the province.
This transition involves transferring the financial and operational responsibility for the recycling of packaging and paper products from municipalities to the producers who supply these materials. The goal is to create a more efficient, consistent, and effective province-wide system that encourages product innovation and better environmental outcomes.
Key Changes for Residents
Starting January 1, 2026, residents can expect two major improvements to the Blue Box program, regardless of where they live in Ontario:
Consistency Across the Province: The current system features variations in accepted materials from one community to the next. Under the new EPR framework, a single, unified list of accepted recyclable materials will apply everywhere in Ontario, simplifying the process for all residents.
Expanded Accepted Materials: The new program will broaden the list of items accepted in curbside recycling, allowing residents to recycle more types of common household packaging. Examples of newly accepted items include hot/cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, and certain plastic tubes (e.g., toothpaste).
Preparation Guidelines for Recyclable Materials
To ensure efficient processing under Ontario's new recycling system, please follow these specific preparation guidelines for each material category:
1. Paper and Fibre
Cardboard Boxes (e.g., Pizza boxes, moving boxes, shoe boxes):
Flatten.
No larger than 60x60cm.
- Have oversized boxes? Drop them off in free locations like Belleville.
Boxboard (e.g., Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, egg cartons):
Flatten and ensure they are empty.
Paper Laminate Packaging (e.g., Pet food bags, food service paper bags and plates):
Empty and free from food residue.
Paper Laminate Containers (e.g., Spiral cans, cookie dough packages, ice cream containers, hot and cold beverage cups):
Empty and free from food residue.
Remove lids.
Cartons (e.g., Beverage, juice, milk, soup, and sauce cartons):
Empty and free from food residue.
Keep lids on.
Do not include alcoholic beverage containers.
Paper (e.g., Newspapers, magazines, notepads, greeting cards, flour bags):
Empty.
Place shredded paper in a tied clear plastic bag.
Separate from plastic bags used to cover items; remove elastic bands and rope handles.
Do not include soft or hard covered books/novels.
2. Plastics and Foam
Hard Plastic Containers (e.g., Laundry detergent/cleaner jugs, shampoo/body wash, plastic beverage bottles):
Empty and free from residue.
Keep lids on.
Do not include alcoholic beverage containers.
PET Plastic Packaging (e.g., Food trays, salad, yogurt, plastic cups, tubs and lids):
Empty and free from food residue.
Keep lids on.
Do not include alcoholic beverage containers.
Tubes (e.g., Toothpaste, deodorant, and hand cream tubes):
Empty and free from residue.
Keep lids on.
3. Metal and Glass
Metal Containers (e.g., Food cans, metal lids, cookie, coffee, and tea tins, beverage cans):
Empty and free from food residue.
Do not include alcoholic beverage containers.
Aluminum (Foils and Trays) (e.g., Aluminum foil, pie plates, frozen food trays):
Empty and free from food residue.
Ball up aluminum foil.
Aerosol Containers (e.g., Food spray, hairspray, shaving cream, deodorant):
Empty.
Keep lids on.
Glass Containers (e.g., Food containers, jars and bottles, cosmetic, spice, non-alcoholic beverage containers):
Empty and free from food residue.
Lids off.
Do not include alcoholic beverage containers.
General Recycling Tips
Rinse: Give containers a quick rinse to remove food and product residue.
Clean and Loose: Ensure materials are clean, dry, and loose in your recycling container.
No Hazards: Keep all hazardous materials, such as batteries and sharps, out of the recycling stream.
A Step Forward for Recycling
This move to Extended Producer Responsibility marks a pivotal moment in Ontario's waste management, aiming to drive greater material recovery and support a more circular economy.
The biggest difference between this new program and the 2025 accepted materials is the principle of standardization and expansion. Prior to 2026, accepted materials often varied significantly based on your municipality, meaning items like black plastic, coffee cups, and certain plastic tubes may not have been accepted or would have been processed differently depending on your location. The new EPR system eliminates this inconsistency and ensures a broader, unified list of accepted materials province-wide, making recycling simpler and more effective for every Ontario resident compared to the patchwork system in place through 2025.
