Durham Region’s Blue Box program transitions to producer responsibility

No immediate impact for residents as current recycling program and schedules will remain unchanged during transition

Whitby, Ontario – Starting July 1, 2024, Durham’s Blue Box program will transition to being delivered by an organization named, “Circular Materials” on behalf of all producers of the products and packaging recycled in the Blue Box within Ontario. Although the responsibility for the blue box recycling program is changing, there will be no immediate change to how residents recycle during the transition period.

What: The provincially regulated transition of the Blue Box program from municipalities to producers is planned to be seamless, and residents should not notice a change in service. There will be no changes to the list of materials collected in the blue box or the blue box collection schedule from July 1, 2024, until completion of the transition to the new Ontario-wide collection system on December 31, 2025. Durham’s recycling program will also continue to use two separate blue boxes for papers and containers. Producers may make changes to the Blue Box Program after January 1, 2026.

When: Circular Materials will begin managing Durham Region’s Blue Box program July 1, 2024.

Why: The Province created the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, to “hold persons who are most responsible for the design of products and packaging responsible for the products and packaging at the end of life.” It also created the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority to oversee and enforce the performance of the new Blue Box Program. These changes will provide recycling to more communities across Ontario and move towards standardizing and expanding what can be recycled while ensuring that Producers continue providing a quality Blue Box recycling program. The aim is to improve waste management services across the province and reduce waste in our community.

For more information please visit durham.ca/BlueBox.

Quotes

“The transition of the Blue Box program to Circular Materials, starting July 1, 2024, is anticipated to be seamless for residents. During this period, there will be no changes to how residents recycle, and the program will continue to use two blue boxes for papers and containers. The creation of a province-wide program for recycling will continue to help reduce waste in our community.”

Ramesh Jagannathan, Acting Commissioner of Works

“Circular Materials is looking forward to providing residents of Durham region with a smooth transition of recycling services as of July 1, 2024. As a national non-profit organization, we are dedicated to leading by example, driving positive change, and making a lasting difference in communities across the country. This transition in Durham Region marks another milestone in our journey, and we are excited to deliver a recycling program that meets the needs of residents and drives innovation and convenience.”

Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials

About Circular Materials

Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that builds efficient and effective recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers to use as recycled content in new packaging and paper. As the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, Circular Materials is responsible for operating the new system for blue box materials. We are committed to increasing recycling rates across Ontario and ensuring more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment.

For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.