Changes are coming to blue box collection in 2026

Visit vaughan.ca/BlueBox for updates

The Province of Ontario is introducing a new province-wide recycling system next year that will transition this service away from municipalities, like the City of Vaughan. 

Beginning on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, all aspects of the blue box program will be transferred from the City to Circular Materials Ontario, a not-for-profit organization appointed by the Province. Circular Materials Ontario will then manage the collection, sorting and recycling of all blue box materials.

The City is committed to supporting a smooth transition of the blue box program for all residents. Updates will be shared as they become available from Circular Materials Ontario. In the meantime, here are answers to questions you may have about this shift  

What changes will I see?

There are no changes to your collection schedule or the materials you can recycle this year. Beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, Circular Materials Ontario may make changes to the materials accepted in the new blue box collection program. These details are yet to be confirmed. At this time, it is anticipated that blue box collection days will remain the same.

Who will be responsible for garbage and green bin collection?

The City will continue to collect garbage, green bin organics, large and bulky items, and leaf and yard waste, including real Christmas trees.

Why is this change happening?

Ontario introduced a new Provincial Regulation 391/21 in the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 which shifts the financial and operational responsibility of residential blue box collection programs from municipalities to producers of recyclable materials (i.e. suppliers of paper products or packaging-like products comprised of paper, glass, metal or plastic). This means producers will be responsible for collecting, sorting and recycling blue box materials, with Circular Materials Ontario overseeing the transition.

This new recycling system aims to provide consistent service throughout Ontario and allow more materials to be recycled in more communities. It will also expand collection to more parks, playgrounds and transit stations so there are more opportunities to recycle on the go. 

Learn more about the blue box program transition in Ontario. 

To stay up to date on the blue box program transition, visit vaughan.ca/BlueBox.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.