Changes to the Blue Box Program – Starting November 19, 2024
Ontario’s Blue Box Program is changing to a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model in line with a new provincial Blue Box Regulation. This means producers of blue box materials will now be responsible for the collection, processing, and recycling of these materials.
A transition period is underway until December 31, 2025 to create a seamless pass-off of responsibilities between municipalities and the PROs/producers. The District Municipality of Muskoka transitions on November 19, 2024, and will begin working with the PRO, Circular Materials (CM), to manage the Blue Box program.
About Producer Responsibility
Producer Responsibility means producers – the companies that design, create and market products and packaging – are fully responsible for managing and paying for the life cycle of their products and packaging.
Producer Responsibility looks at the entire life-cycle of a product to ensure effective production and management of packaging to reduce overall waste. This cycle includes:
- Producer using recycled materials to manufacture products and market them
- Retailer selling the products
- Consumer buying and using the products
- Producer being responsible to collect, process, recycle and dispose of the packaging and products
- Producer using recycled materials to manufacture products and market them
Timelines
November 19, 2024 – Muskoka transitions to the Extended Producer Responsibility model and transfers the Blue Box program to CM.
January 1, 2026 – The transition period ends, and CM takes full control of the Blue Box Program in Ontario communities, including The District Municipality of Muskoka.
How are Residents Affected?
Residents will not see any changes during the transition period. Collection schedules and the list of acceptable materials will stay the same.
Starting January 1, 2026, CM will fully manage Ontario’s Blue Box program, and any program changes will be made at their discretion.
| I currently receive curbside Blue Box Recycling |
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During the transition period from November 19, 2024 - December 31, 2025, your curbside Blue Box Recycling services will not change. Collection dates and the list of acceptable recyclable material will remain the same. Starting January 1, 2026, when CM becomes full responsibility for recycling matters in Muskoka, there may be changes to the program. |
| I am a resident that brings my recycling to a drop-off waste facility (i.e., transfer station, depot) |
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During the transition period (November 19, 2024 - December 31, 2025), residents can continue to bring their recycling materials at any District of Muskoka waste drop-off facility. The number of streams and the list of accepted materials will remain the same. Starting January 1, 2026, when CM takes full responsibility for recycling in Ontario, there may be changes. The number of receiving sites, accepted materials lists, and other aspects of the program may change after this date. |
How are Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional Business Owner’s Affected?
Starting November 19, 2024:
- Industrial, commercial, or institutional businesses outside of Downtown/Main Street established route will no longer qualify for participation in the recycling program. This means collection services for these businesses will be discontinued.
| BIA Route Maps (Click to Expand) |
- This change will impact industrial and commercial properties, not-for-profit organizations, daycares, places of worship, municipal buildings or facilities (such as libraries and arenas), campgrounds, trailer parks lacking permanent or seasonal households, and commercial farms.
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools and non-profit retirement and long-term care facilities will still have access to the recycling program.
- Businesses affected by this change should consider arranging recycling services through private contracts.
If in doubt about your property’s eligibility, please complete the "Eligibility Check for Recycling" form to confirm the status of its curbside recycling service.
A separate FAQ is available specifically for impacted ICI Properties linked here: ICI Property FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
The District Municipality of Muskoka is preparing to move forward with Ontario's Blue Box Program. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help residents understand the program better.
| Who is Circular Materials? |
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Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that helps producers meet their obligations under extended producer responsibility regulations, like Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation. They are working with producer partners to ensure Ontario’s recycling system is efficient and effective, making sure materials are reused again and again. More information on Circular Materials is available at www.circularmaterials.ca/provincial-programs/recycling-in-ontario |
| Will the municipality still collect garbage, leaf and yard waste and organics? |
| Yes, the District Municipality of Muskoka will continue to provide curbside collection of garbage, leaf and yard waste, and organics to areas that currently receive these services. The collection schedule will remain the same. |
| Why are we transitioning to the Blue Box Program? |
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The Ontario Government has made legislated changes to the Blue Box Regulation to expand participation in recycling programs by providing clearer and more comprehensive recycling guidelines across the province. This regulation promotes a more circular economy, where materials are collected, recycled, and reused to create new products and packaging. These changes aim to reduce overall waste, divert waste from landfills, and mitigate impacts on the environment. |
| What is Extended Producer Responsibility? |
| Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a system where producers of Blue Box material, like Coca-Cola, Amazon, Walmart, etc., are responsible for the entire lifecycle of material that they produce. Currently, municipalities cover half of the cost of collection and processing of recyclable materials. Under EPR, producers are logistically and financially accountable for their product packaging from production to disposal, helping to reduce waste and promote recycling. |
| What is a circular economy? |
| A circular economy is an approach that shifts away from the traditional make-use-dispose model towards a system that promotes recycling and reuse. It aims to extend the lifecycle of a products, minimize the use of raw materials, maximize the lifespan of materials and resources, and reduce waste and packaging. This system helps create a sustainable cycle where materials are continuously reused and repurposed, reducing environmental impact. |
| Relevant Links |
If you have any questions or comments about the new program, please email the Solid Waste Team at waste@muskoka.on.ca or call 705-645-2100.