The way recycling is handled in the region will soon be changing.
In 2021, the province of Ontario announced it was transitioning its blue box program, moving recycling services off the plate of municipalities and into the hands of the producers who create products and packaging.
Beginning March 2, the Region of Waterloo will begin to shift its blue box program to Circular Materials Ontario (CMO), a company that implements and supports efficient recycling programs across Canada.
CMO was founded by 17 food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers, restaurants and retailers including Costco, McDonald's, Loblaw Companies Limited, Coca-Cola and Nestle.
Under the new system, these companies bear the financial costs and are tasked with the execution of recycling.
The province estimates it will result in savings of $156 million each year for municipalities, but that won't be known until CMO takes over full responsibility for the program in 2026.
In the meantime, some of those costs are expected to be recovered at the grocery store as consumers begin to see recycling fees added to their purchases.
"The overall benefit of a producer-led program is they're now responsible for the waste they create," Deanna Dakin, project manager of waste management for the region said.
"It should be a seamless transition from the region to the producers."
The transfer of full responsibilities will be taking place over the course of the next two years until the end of 2025.
But what does this mean for residents when it comes time to take out the recycling?
Some things won't change during the transition period, including scheduled collection days and the two-box sorting system.
What goes in the blue box is also staying the same, while green bin, garbage, yard waste and bulky collections continue as is.
As for the changes, Circular Materials will be handling blue box issues, along with the supply of new boxes and the exchange of broken ones through its contractors.
Those living in North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich can contact Emterra Environmental and residents of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo are served by Miller Waste Systems, both of which currently carry out the work.
By 2026, Circular Materials will take on all municipal recycling, unifying the program across Ontario. At that time, collection days, the method and what's accepted could change once the region is absolved of the responsibility.
"As of Jan. 1, 2026, Circular Materials can change the recycling program," Dakin said.
"It’s a very complicated system when you look back at the history of the blue box. We have to give the producers time to take over municipalities as everyone does it differently."
Dakin said there are a few benefits to this new system but immediate cost benefits aren't yet known.
"We see the benefit for the residents as it’s a unified recycling program," she said.
"Regardless of where you’re recycling, whether at home or a provincial park in northern Ontario, everything will be the same."
For more information on recycling in the region visit regionofwaterloo.ca.
