Starting in 2026, how small businesses handle their recyclable materials will be changing. Please see the below information from Durham Region, which will answer your questions about how this change will affect your business:
“As of December 31, 2025, municipal curbside Blue Box collection will no longer be provided for small businesses, including those in Designated Business Areas.
Beginning January 1, 2026, small businesses must arrange for private recycling collection services to continue managing Blue Box materials.
What’s Changing?
• Curbside Blue Box collection previously provided by Durham Region to small businesses in Designated Business Areas, will be discontinued as of December 31, 2025.
• Existing curbside collection services to small businesses in Designated Business Areas for garbage, green bin, and leaf and yard waste will remain unaffected.
Why is this happening?
The Province of Ontario has enacted Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation 391/21 which shifts Blue Box recycling responsibility from municipalities to the producers of the materials recycled in the Blue Box. This caused Durham Region to transition its Blue Box collection responsibility to Circular Materials, an organization representing the producers and importers of packaging materials on July 1, 2024. While Durham Region was able to work with Circular Materials to continue servicing existing small business customers until the new Blue Box program takes full effect on January 1, 2026, this option no longer exists after December 31, 2025.
Despite efforts from Durham Region, our local municipalities and many other Ontario municipalities to seek options to continue collecting these materials under the new program, on October 1, 2025, the Province advised that this could not be accommodated.
What does this mean for your business?
• To continue receiving services at your location, starting January 1, 2026, you must arrange private recycling collection services for your Blue Box materials.
• Blue Box materials can still be recycled at any Durham Region Waste Management Facility (fees may apply).
What about residences located within business areas, including those above businesses?
• Circular Materials is required to continue to provide curbside services to all residences, including those in business areas and above businesses.
Is Blue Box material accepted at Regional Waste Management Facilities?
• Yes, Blue Box material is accepted for recycling at any Regional Waste Management Facility. Fees apply.
What is the estimated number of businesses affected by these changes?
• Approximately 2,800 small businesses in Designated Business Areas throughout the Region and approximately 200 additional small businesses that are not formally included in Designated Business Areas are impacted.
How can small businesses arrange for recycling collection services after December 31, 2025?
• Small businesses must arrange for private recycling collection services by partnering with waste management companies that specialize in recycling services.
What are the consequences if small businesses fail to secure private Blue Box collection?
• Under By-law 2024-009, owners and occupants must not set out garbage that includes Blue Box materials for collection.
Will the changes to the Blue Box program impact garbage, organics, and leaf and yard waste collection?
• Municipal garbage, green bin, and leaf and yard waste collection will remain unchanged.
We understand this transition may require some difficult adjustments and we encourage businesses to secure private recycling collection services ahead of the December 31 deadline. Durham Region will continue to advocate on behalf of its small businesses and to will continue to explore future options to help its small businesses recycle.
If you have questions about these changes, please dial 311 (within Regional limits), call 1-800-372-1102, or submit them by email to 311@durham.ca.”
