Ontario is launching a province-wide Blue Box recycling system starting January 1, 2026.
The updated program allows residents to recycle the same materials at the curb across the province, while adding new items such as chip bags, toothpaste tubes, deodorant sticks, pet food bags, bubble wrap, coffee cup lids, and stand-up resealable pouches.
The transition follows an extended producer responsibility framework, which shifts greater responsibility to producers for managing recycling programs. Northumberland County will no longer manage the program, but residents do not need to change how or when they set out their recycling. A new contact will be provided before the transition for questions about bins, exchanges, or missed pickups.
To help residents understand the new system, the Northumberland County Waste Department is hosting a live Q&A session on December 19 at 12:00 p.m. Residents can join online to ask questions directly, learn what materials are now accepted, and understand the upcoming changes.
The goal of the program is to make recycling easier, increase participation, and process more materials responsibly across Ontario.
Residents can find additional information and the 2026 collection calendar at northumberland.ca/services/garbage-and-recycling or northumberland.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-Northumberland-County-Calendar-WebA.pdf.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)