Northumberland County is reminding residents that more items can now be recycled as Ontario completes its transition to producer responsibility for recycling programs.
While responsibility for funding and managing recycling has shifted to Circular Materials Ontario, there is no change to how recycling is collected in Northumberland. Blue Box and Grey Box materials continue to be collected on the same schedule, using the same bins and set out practices.
The biggest change for residents is the expansion of accepted materials.
Newly accepted items in the Blue Box include Styrofoam, rinsed coffee pods, toothpaste and beauty care tubes, takeout cups and lids, and deodorant sticks.
The Grey Box program has also expanded to include chip bags, wrappers, stand up pouches, and pet food bags.
Garbage and green bin collection remain under the responsibility of Northumberland County.
The transition marks the completion of a three year, province wide process that shifts the cost of recycling programs from municipalities and First Nations to producers of packaging and paper products. Northumberland County transitioned to producer responsibility at the beginning of 2024 and continued managing curbside recycling through the end of 2025 to support the provincial rollout.
The province has indicated residents should see the same or improved access to recycling services under the new system.
Circular Materials Ontario is a national not for profit organization managing Ontario’s common recycling system on behalf of producers.
Residents with recycling questions can contact Miller Waste Systems, while questions about garbage, green bins, bag tags, or Community Recycling Centres should be directed to Northumberland County Waste Services.
More information is available at Northumberland.ca/ProducerResponsibility.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
