Residential Blue Box / Grey Box Transition
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

In June 2021, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) introduced a new Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21: Blue Box) that makes producers fully responsible for collecting and recycling the packaging and paper products they supply to consumers.

Producers are companies that supply packaging, paper products or packaging-like products made of paper, glass, metal or plastic to consumers in Ontario. They are now responsible for funding and operating the residential recycling system.

From July 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025, all existing residential Blue Box programs in Ontario will move to a single, provincewide collection system that is funded, managed and operated by producers.

Niagara Region's residential recycling program transitioned early, on Jan. 1, 2024.

What changes will happen on Jan. 1, 2026?

• Recycling service continues for eligible residential properties under Circular Materials
• A provincewide standardized material list will apply across Ontario
• Expanded recycling list: new items like coffee cups, black plastics, flexible packaging, straws and multi-laminate pouches will be accepted
• Niagara Region will stop recycling collection for non-eligible sources (NES) such as businesses, institutions and places of worship
• No schedule or curbside collection container changes are planned at this time for residential recycling

What this means for Niagara Region and its residents

• How this affects Niagara Region

  As of Jan. 1, 2024, Circular Materials assumed responsibility for delivering residential Blue and Grey Box recycling collection services previously managed by Niagara Region.

  Circular Materials has contracted Niagara Region's existing collection providers, Miller Waste Systems and GFL Environmental, to continue collecting Blue and Grey Box materials.

  Niagara Region no longer provides recycling collection for non-eligible sources (such as industrial, commercial and institutional properties). These sources must arrange their own recycling services through a private provider.

  Niagara Region will continue to provide collection for:

  • Organics (Green Bin)
  • Leaf and yard waste
  • Curbside garbage
  • Large household items
    
• Waste collection schedule and items

  Residential properties should not expect a change to their collection day or collection frequency (once per week) at this time. If changes occur in the future, Circular Materials will notify residents.

  Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Blue Box program will include more materials than before, thanks to a provincewide standardized list. New items include:

  • Hot and cold beverage cups (coffee cups, plastic-lined paper cups)
  • Plastic straws, cutlery, and plates
  • Multi-laminate packaging like drink pouches and frozen food pouches
  • Flexible plastics like chip bags and candy wrappers
  • Deodorant and toothpaste tubes
  • Ice cream tubs
  • Frozen juice containers

  See the full list of items. Updated recycling information will also be available in the Niagara Region Waste App.

• Distribution and replacement of Blue / Grey Box recycling containers

  Residents requiring a new or replacement recycling box must contact the collection contractor designated for their city / town to get their free recycling boxes if they don't have them already or to replace their broken recycling boxes.

  • Miller Waste Systems - Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland: 1-833-621-0726 or area19@millerwaste.ca
  • GFL Environmental Inc. - Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, West Lincoln: 1-855-769-3760 or niagararecycling@gflenv.com

  
  Niagara Region will still be responsible for the distribution of Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers.

  See information on obtaining containers and distribution centres.

• Non-eligible sources (industrial, commercial and institutional properties)

  On Nov. 20, 2025, Niagara Region approved the discontinuation of curbside recycling collection for Non-Eligible Sources (Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional properties), effective Jan. 1, 2026.
  

  Non-eligible sources include:

  • Industrial properties
  • Commercial properties, such as retail stores, offices
  • Institutional properties, such as hospitals, schools not classified as residential
  • Places of worship
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Small businesses and community facilities

  If your property currently receives recycling collection through Niagara Region, this service will end on Jan. 1, 2026. To avoid disruption, affected properties should begin arranging for private recycling services as soon as possible.

  Properties not currently receiving recycling collection from Niagara Region do not need to take any action.

  Depending on Council's direction, continued access to Niagara Region's drop-off depots may be available as an interim or alternative option. More information will be shared once it is confirmed. Visit landfills in Niagara to stay informed and for drop-off depot locations.

  For questions and additional support, please call the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 or toll-free at 1-800-594-5542, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Recycling depots

  During the transition period, Circular Materials is required to operate the same number of depots for collecting recycling from eligible sources in eligible communities.

  Starting Jan. 1, 2026, this requirement ends. Circular Materials will no longer be obligated to maintain the current number of depots, and the availability of locations accepting Blue / Grey Box materials may change.

  For non-eligible sources (such as industrial, commercial, and institutional properties), continued access to Niagara Region's drop-off depots may be considered as an interim or alternative option, depending on Council’s direction.

  Updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

• Contact and customer service

  As of Jan. 1, 2024, Circular Materials' contractors will provide customer service for inquiries related to residential Blue / Grey Box recycling collection. Residents should contact the contractor designated for their city / town:

  • Miller Waste Systems - Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland: 1-833-621-0726 or area19@millerwaste.ca
  • GFL Environmental Inc. - Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, West Lincoln: 1-855-769-3760

  See information on the Blue and Grey Box program and acceptable materials.

  Niagara Region will provide customer service for:

  • Organics (Green Bin)
  • Leaf and yard waste
  • Curbside garbage
  • Large household items

  For all inquiries related to Niagara Region's collection services, continue to contact the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542.

Project timeline