Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will roll out a new province-wide blue box recycling program aimed at simplifying and expanding curbside recycling for all residents.
The change is part of Ontario’s move to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model. Under this system, the responsibility for managing and funding recycling will shift from municipalities to the producers of the materials being recycled.
For Northumberland residents, this means the County will no longer oversee local blue box collection. Instead, a new contact will be provided closer to the transition for all recycling-related questions, including missed pickups and bin exchanges.
Despite the administrative changes, there will be no changes to how or when residents set out their recycling. Pickup days and routines will remain the same.
One of the biggest benefits of the new system is the ability to recycle more items. A full list of accepted materials will be shared in advance of the January 2026 launch.
The goal of the updated program is to make recycling more consistent across Ontario while reducing waste and improving environmental outcomes.
To learn more about the transition system, visit: Transition of recycling system to producers – Northumberland County
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
