Transitioning the blue box collection program
Blue box collection changes are coming province-wide in 2026. The Province of Ontario is introducing a new blue box collection system to provide consistent service throughout Ontario and allow more materials to be recycled in more communities.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, producers of recyclable materials will be operationally and financially responsible for residential blue box collection programs across the province. This means producers will oversee the collecting, sorting and recycling of all blue box materials. The City of Vaughan will no longer collect blue box recycling as of Jan. 1, 2026. Circular Materials Ontario, a not-for-profit organization appointed by the Province, is overseeing this transition.
There are no changes to your collection schedule or the materials you can recycle from now until Dec. 31, 2025. Beginning 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 understood that the blue box collection days will remain the same.
The City is committed to supporting a smooth transition of the blue box program for all residents. City staff will continue to engage with Circular Materials Ontario to advocate for the operational and communication needs of residents during the transition.
Rest assured, we will keep you informed of updates before any changes come into effect and impact you. Check back here regularly or follow our corporate social media channels (X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and subscribe to our Vaughan News eNewsletter to stay up-to-date.
Learn more about the blue box program transition in Ontario. This new collection system falls under Provincial Regulation 391/21 of the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Province of Ontario is introducing a new blue box collection system. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, producers of recyclable materials will be operationally and financially responsible for residential blue box collection programs across the province. This means producers will oversee the collecting, sorting and recycling of all blue box materials
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There are no changes to your collection schedule or the materials you can recycle from now until Dec. 31, 2025.
Beginning 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 understood that the blue box collection days will remain the same. For more information, visit Circular Materials’ webpage on advancing the circular economy.
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No. The City will maintain curbside collection of garbage, green bin organics, large and bulky items, and leaf and yard waste, including real Christmas trees. Please continue to call the City at 905-832-2281 if you have any questions or concerns with these waste collection services.
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The City of Vaughan will no longer collect blue box recycling as of Jan. 1, 2026. For more information, visit Circular Materials’ webpage on advancing the circular economy.
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No. There is no new or separate charge to residents to transition to the new blue box collection program effective Jan. 1, 2026.
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The transition to the new provincial blue box collection program will not affect municipal property taxes. Producersof recyclable materials will assume financial and operational responsibility of the new blue box program. The City currently receives a grant funded by the producers of recyclable materials to support the municipal blue box collection program.
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.
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No. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Vaughan will no longer sell new blue boxes or exchange broken or damaged City-issued blue boxes. You can still purchase new blue boxes or exchange broken City-issued blue boxes through Service Vaughan until Dec. 31, 2025. Visit our webpage for more information on bin replacements and purchases. Starting in 2026, blue boxes will be available through Circular Materials Ontario, the City will provide updates as we have them.
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 bin exchange for broken or damaged City-issued green bins.
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Producers are suppliers of blue box materials, such as product packaging, paper products, or packaging-like products, comprised of paper, glass, metal or plastic. For more information, visit Circular Materials’ webpage on advancing the circular economy.