Have questions about the new provincial recycling program?
We have the answers!
The new year is fast approaching – which means the Province of Ontario will soon transition residential blue box programs across the province from municipalities to a new collection system operated by Circular Materials.
Starting on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Vaughan will no longer be responsible for collecting your blue box materials or managing the purchase and/or replacement of City-branded blue boxes.
The City is committed to supporting a smooth transition of the blue box program for all residents. This includes sharing updates as they become available from Circular Materials and providing you with the latest information.
Here are answers to questions you may have about this change:
What changes will I see?
In 2025, it’s status quo – there are no changes to your collection schedule or the materials you can recycle this year.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, Circular Materials will take over. It is anticipated that your collection schedule will stay the same. Plus, you will be able to recycle all materials that are currently accepted in the blue box and more, including:
- chip bags and food wrapping, including plastic and foil wrappers
- deodorant stick containers
- pet food bags
- reusable pouches
- Styrofoam™
- toothpaste tubes
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.
Will property taxes change when the City no longer collects blue box recycling?
Currently, the City receives a Provincial Grant to help fund the City’s blue box program. When the Province transitions responsibility of the blue box program away from the City, the cost of recycling collection will be assumed by Circular Materials, and the City will no longer receive a grant to support these expenses. This transition will not directly impact property taxes.
Vaughan maintains one of the lowest tax rates in York Region and one of the lowest and most competitive tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area.
Will I still be able to purchase or exchange a City-branded blue box after Jan. 1?
No. Starting Thursday, Jan. 1, the City of Vaughan will no longer sell new blue boxes or exchange broken or damaged City-branded blue boxes. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, you can order them through Service Vaughan – visit our Where to Purchase Containers, Bins and Tags webpage for more information.
Starting in 2026, blue boxes will be available for purchase through Circular Materials. The City will share details as more information becomes available.
The City will continue to sell new green bins and kitchen containers online through Service Vaughan or at select community centres. The City will also continue to offer a free exchange of broken or damaged City-branded green bins.
Will I be receiving a new recycling cart like the ones in Toronto and Peel Region in 2026?
No. Circular Materials has partnered with Miller Waste Systems to provide recycling collection in Vaughan. Miller Waste Systems will continue to use the existing blue boxes in Vaughan – not carts.
Why is this change happening?
The Province of Ontario introduced a new Provincial Regulation 391/21 under 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 the businesses that sell products and packaging will be responsible for them over their full life cycle – including collecting, sorting and recycling blue box materials – with Circular Materials overseeing the transition.
Through this new recycling system, the Province aims to provide consistent service throughout Ontario and allow more materials to be recycled in more communities.
Who should I call in 2026 and onward if I have a recycling issue?
As of Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, inquiries related to blue box collection should be directed to Miller Waste Systems at 1-855-752-3762 or area10@millerwaste.ca. For further inquiries or feedback on your collection service, contact Circular Materials at 1-877-667-2626 or customerservice@circularmaterials.ca.
To stay up to date on the blue box program transition, visit vaughan.ca/BlueBox.
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