Ontario Blue Box Transition
As of January 1, 2025, Temiskaming Shores' recycling program will be manages by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario.
For additional information on the recycling program including recycling resources, recycling calendar and, acceptable and not acceptable materials, visit the Circular Material website.
Circular Materials - Temiskaming Shores Website
About
Ontario’s Blue Box Program |
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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 framework, producers will become fully responsible for collecting and recycling blue box materials. Transition to extended producer responsibility will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026. As a result, The City of Temiskaming Shores blue box recycling program is now managed by Circular Materials, who is the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario. |
Why |
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Historically, Ontario’s blue box programs were operated by municipalities who shared the costs with producers. Now, under the Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is transitioning to a new model where producers are fully responsible for operating and funding the entire blue box program. In 2026, Ontario can expect a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates. This includes a consistent list of recyclable materials across the province. This new system operated by Circular Materials represents the evolution from product stewardship to a more circular |
Timeline |
Transition to extended producer responsibility will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place on January 1, 2026. Along with the Regulation, the government released a schedule that assigns each of the 376 Ontario communities a transition date.
Learn more about the government schedule on their website. Ontario Bulletin - Updates to the Blue Box Transition Schedule |
Circular Materials
Who is Circular Materials? |
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Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that builds efficient and effective recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled and returned 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. We are committed to increasing recycling rates across Ontario and ensuring more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment. Learn more about Circular Materials on their website at: |
How does Circular Materials Ontario fit into this? |
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Circular Materials is the administrator of the common collection system and a not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in Ontario. The City of Temiskaming Shores is collaborating with Circular Materials to deliver a best-in-class system that continues to deliver recycling services and support our residents. During the transition period, there will be no change to how and what residents can recycle. Following transition, Ontario can expect to have a convenient, consistent, and effective recycling system in place that will improve recycling rates and meet the needs of Ontarians. Learn more about Circular Materials on their website at: |
Contact |
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Contact GLF for any recycling collection inquiries. They can be contacted for:
Email | C31Recycling@gflenv.com Phone | 1- 888-220-4352 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does extended producer responsibility (EPR) mean? |
| 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. |
What advantages are associated with this new system? |
| 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. |
What does this transition mean for residents? |
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Transition to the new framework will occur in a phased approach over the next two and a half years. During this time, Ontarians will not notice any differences to their recycling schedule and will still be able to recycle the same materials as before. Residents with recycling questions can contact their community’s contractor. |
Resources |
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Ontario Regulation 391/21 - Blue Box Ontario - Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy |
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