Media Release - November 24, 2025 - Blue Box Transition January 1, 2026

KINCARDINE, ON - Ontario is introducing a new producer-led recycling system, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. Under this new framework, producers—not municipalities—will be responsible for operating and funding residential recycling programs, creating a more consistent, efficient, and accessible recycling system across the province.

What This Means for Eligible Households

If you currently receive curbside waste collection, your recycling will continue to be picked up on the same day and with the same frequency. The list of accepted materials is expanding, so households will be able to recycle even more items at the curb, including corrugated cardboard, hot and cold beverage cups, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, deodorant and toothpaste tubes, and other household packaging. Full details, including the complete list of materials accepted under the new system, are available at kincardine.ca/BlueBox2026.

Because public recycling depots will no longer be available under the new provincial system, eligible residents who miss their collection day must hold onto their recyclables until their next scheduled pickup. The landfill cannot accept eligible recycling on site, whether as recycling or as household waste. This helps ensure that all recyclables are collected properly and stay in the recycling system.

Waste Management Canada and Circular Materials

The curbside program will now be operated by Waste Management Canada, based in Mount Forest, on behalf of the provincial producer organization, Circular Materials. Waste Management Canada will manage collection, processing, and customer service for residents. If you have questions about missed pickups, what materials can be recycled, or collection routes, please reach out to Waste Management directly at wm.com/ca/en/support.

Changes for Non-Eligible Sources

Certain properties—such as businesses, farms, industrial sites, and institutions (IC&I)—are not eligible for curbside Blue Box collection under the new system. To support these users, the Municipality of Kincardine will provide drop-off recycling service at the Armow Waste Management Centre with dedicated expanded hours.

Non-Eligible Drop-off hours:

• Regular Landfill Hours:
  • Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Dedicated expanded hours (non-eligible recycling only):
  • Monday, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

A tipping fee of $1.65 per kilogram ($0.75 per pound) applies to all materials dropped off by non-eligible users. This fee supports bin rentals, transportation, and contamination management. To help keep costs and fees down, users are encouraged to ensure materials are clean and flattened wherever possible.

Public Recycling Depots Closing

Under the new provincial legislation, convenience depots will no longer be supported or funded. As a result, all public recycling depots in the Municipality of Kincardine will permanently close on December 31, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, residential cardboard and other recyclables must be placed at the curb on your regular collection day. With the expanded list of materials accepted curbside, separate depot locations are no longer needed.

Supporting Residents Through the Transition

These province-wide changes are designed to modernize recycling, reduce waste, and improve environmental outcomes for everyone. The Municipality will continue to share information, answer questions, and guide residents through the transition, even though we will no longer operate the curbside program.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to learn more about what the transition means for them at: kincardine.ca/BlueBox2026

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Media Inquiries:
Mark O’Leary, Manager of Environmental Services
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-4660
moleary@kincardine.ca