As of January 1, 2026 the province of Ontario fully moved into the producer responsibility model for recycling. This change was intended to make producers responsible for depositing of the recyclable materials they create while also putting the entire province on the same page in regards to what materials are able to be recycled and what are not.
In 2023, the province first introduced this new legislation in an effort to improve the Blue Box system by providing consistent recycling service to reduce litter and allow more materials to be recycled in more communities. Before this legislation was introduced, municipalities across the province allowed for the collection of different materials depending on where you lived. This change now ensures that no matter where you are in the province all recyclable materials are the same.
There was a two year transition period to allow for municipalities and first nations to adjust to the new system.
Previously municipalities were responsible for collection of recycling for both businesses and residents.
Locally, most municipalities in the area entrusted the County of Peterborough to oversee their recycling needs.
However, now with the new changes to recycling in the province, Circular Materials Ontario is now in charge of collecting all residential recycling and operates through partnerships with municipalities at local landfills. They have contracted Emterra to oversee the County of Peterborough recycling needs.
Producers, known as Non-Eligible Sources (NES) which include industrial, commercial and institutional sectors, now have to pay for the removal of their recycling or find a landfill site willing to take their materials. Examples of these sources include local businesses, municipalities, libraries, Food Banks, and more.
These NES are not eligible for free curbside collection as residents are and they are also not able to use the Circular Material operated recycling stations at local landfills. They would have to make special arrangements or be accepted into using the Waste Connections Canada recycling depot on County Road 6.
For local residents, not much is changing except for the types of materials that are now being accepted.
Many items have been added locally to what is now acceptable to recycle.
The Full list of recyclable materials include:
Paper and Fiber materials such as:
• Cardboard boxes: Pizza boxes, direct mail boxes, moving boxes, shoe boxes.
• Boxboard: Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, egg cartons, rolls from toilet paper and paper towel.
• Paper laminate packaging: Pet food bags, food service paper bags, and plates.
• Paper: Any colour, including flour bags, prescription bags, paper produce bags. Notepads, white or coloured loose paper, file folders, other printed materials. Community newspapers, flyers, brochures and magazines. Greeting cards and envelopes, gift boxes.
• Flexible plastic packaging: Bags used for dry cleaning, bread, newspapers and flyers. Overwrap (paper towel & toilet paper, beverage containers). Coffee bags or deli pouches, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal liner bags, plastic gift bags.
Containers such as:
• Glass containers: Clear and coloured glass. Food containers, jars and bottles. Cosmetic containers, spice bottles, oil and vinegar bottles.
• Plastic containers: Laundry detergent and household cleaner jugs, shampoo, body wash, salad dressing, condiment, dish soap, mouth wash bottles.
• Plastic food containers: Food trays, salad, yogurt, peanut butter, bakery and egg containers, plastic cups, plastic tubs and lids.
• Paper laminate containers: Spiral cans, cookie dough package, ice cream containers, and hot and cold beverage cups.
• Cartons: Dairy and dairy substitute cartons, molasses and sugar cartons, laundry and cleaning cartons, soup and sauce cartons, coffee cartons.
• Aluminum (foils and trays): Aluminum foil, pie plates, frozen food trays.• Metal: Food cans, metal lids, candle, cookie, coffee and tea tins.
• Foam packaging: Meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls, foam packaging for products.
• Tubes: Toothpaste tubes, deodorant, hand cream tubes.
• Small plastic containers: Small item packaging, hand sanitizer bottles, plant pots.
• Aerosol containers: Food spray, hairspray, air fresheners, shaving cream, deodorant.
The other thing to change for local residents is who they are to call should they have an issue with their recycling or if they are in need of new bins.
Previously, residents were able to go into any municipal office and ask for replacement boxes or call the County should they have had a question about their collection.
However, now they must call Emterra who has been contracted by Circular Materials to conduct residential recycling curbside for the County. Emterra was previously contracted by the County prior to this new switch.
Emterra can be reached by calling 1-888-597-1541 or emailing customercareont@emterra.ca.
If a resident is unsatisfied with Emterra’s response, they can contact Circular Materials directly at 1-877-667-2626 or via email at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca.
