The new year will bring changes to how recycling is handled across Halton.
Beginning January 1st, 2026, responsibility for residential Blue Box recycling across Halton Region will shift to Circular Materials Ontario. The change affects all four local municipalities: Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.
The move is part of Ontario’s plan to modernize the Blue Box system, first announced in 2021, which will require companies that create packaging and paper products to assume full financial and operational responsibility for recycling. That includes managing curbside pickup and overseeing which items are accepted.
“Halton Region continues to work with all levels of government and industry partners to support the shift of recycling to full producer responsibility,” says Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “This transition ensures producers take responsibility for the packaging they create and supply, while residents across the province benefit from a standardized list of acceptable Blue Box items.”
Under the new system, Circular Materials Ontario will run the Blue Box program, while Miller Waste (contracted by the organization) will continue handling curbside collection. Residents will now contact Miller Waste directly for customer service related to recycling, including Blue Box replacement and missed pickups.
Despite the administrative shift, many aspects of the program will remain familiar. Collection schedules will not change, and residents can continue using their current Blue Boxes or clear bags. Other waste services, such as Green Cart, garbage, yard waste, bulk items, and metal appliance collection, will continue to be managed by Halton Region with no changes.
Residents seeking more information about recycling guidelines or acceptable materials will be directed to Circular Materials Ontario.
For information on all other waste management programs, residents can click here. Residents can also email accesshalton@halton.ca or call 311 with specific inquiries.
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