Ontario Recycling Crisis: Blue Box Changes, Incineration Emissions and Real Solutions
As the new year approaches, I’ve been trying to figure out what these Blue Box changes mean for my own curbside recycling. What started as a simple question—“Who do I call if my bin isn’t picked up?”—turned into a deep dive into Ontario’s recycling system. The more I researched, the more I realized how complicated and concerning these changes are. Here’s what I learned and why it matters for all of us.
Starting January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto will no longer manage residential recycling. Responsibility now shifts to producers under Ontario’s new Blue Box changes, represented by Circular Materials. The goal was to make a bold shift toward Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—a system designed to hold companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging. When implemented properly, EPR can cut waste and spark innovation. Unfortunately, Ontario’s approach falls short, weakened by industry influence and loopholesOntario Blue Box Changes Explained: What’s New and Why It Matters
- Municipalities sidelined: Cities lose control over recycling operations and transparency.
- Expanded Blue Box list: Coffee cups, black plastic, blister packs are now accepted—but will they actually be recycled?
- Incineration loophole: Producers can burn up to 15% of Blue Box material and count it as recycling.
Heads Up!
Starting January 1, 2026, you won’t be able to call 311 for missed recycling pickups or questions.
Instead, reach out to Circular Materials directly at 1‑888‑921‑2686. They’re now your go-to for all recycling details and support.
Tip: Visit https://www.circularmaterials.ca/ for FAQs, collection schedules, and updates on what goes in your Blue Box.
Incineration Emissions and Climate Impact: Why Burning Waste Is Not Recycling
- Burning plastics releases CO₂ and toxic chemicals like dioxins and heavy metals.
- Every tonne of plastic incinerated emits up to 3 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, worsening climate change.
- Incinerators often require fossil fuels to maintain high temperatures, adding even more emissions.
- Ash residue still needs landfilling, so it’s not a true solution.
Read more from Environmental Defence.
Ontario Recycling Crisis in Numbers: Falling Diversion Rates and Missed Targets
- Toronto’s diversion rate dropped to 51.7% in 2024, down from 53.6% in 2023. Multi-residential buildings lag at 27.3%.
- Canada recycles only 16% of plastic packaging nationwide.
- Provinces with deposit-return systems hit 75%+ recovery rates, while Ontario’s curbside system struggles at ~50%.
Deposit-Return Systems: The Proven Solution to Ontario’s Recycling Crisis
- Beer Store achieves 90%+ returns; glass bottles are reused up to 15 times, saving 90% of energy vs making new ones.
- Recycling aluminum saves 95% energy, avoiding 9 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne recycled.
- At The Green Jar, our deposits on refill containers have diverted 100,000+ containers annually from landfill.
Call to Action: How You Can Help Fix Ontario’s Recycling System
✅ Higher recycling targets and strict penalties
This journey down the recycling rabbit hole showed me that change is coming. While it’s complicated, it’s also an opportunity. If we speak up, stay informed, and support businesses that prioritize reuse, we can push Ontario toward a system that truly works for people and the planet. I feel hopeful that we can turn this challenge into progress by making 2026 the year we demand better. Contact your MPP, share this message, and choose reuse whenever you can.