2026 Curbside recycling collection changes for non-eligible properties

Under Ontario’s new producer responsibility model, starting in 2026, non-eligible properties in Norfolk County will no longer receive curbside municipal recycling collection services.

Frequently asked questions

What is changing on January 1, 2026?

The Provincial Government has passed legislation making producers of recyclable materials (e.g., paper and plastic packaging) fully responsible for the costs of managing those materials. Under Ontario Regulation 391/21 (Blue Box Regulation), after January 1, 2026, municipalities are no longer responsible for the collection of industrial, commercial, and institutional recycling collection. Non-eligible properties must arrange for private service that meets provincial requirements.

Starting January 1, 2026, a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) will oversee a new province-wide residential recycling system. However, curbside recycling collection will no longer be provided to non-eligible properties, including:

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
Campgrounds/trailer parks without permanent or seasonal households
Charitable organizations
Churches and places of worship
Commercial farms without a residence
Commercial/small businesses
Daycares
Industrial
Institutional
Municipal buildings
Not-for-profits

Will garbage still be collected?

Yes. Norfolk County will continue to collect garbage from non-eligible properties as usual. Recycling will no longer be collected.

What options do non-eligible properties have for recycling?

Take clean cardboard to transfer stations free of charge
Contract private recycling collection services

How can I find a private recycling collection service provider?

Norfolk County cannot recommend or endorse specific businesses. Non-eligible properties in Norfolk County looking for a private recycling collection service provider can:

Search for providers using terms such as “commercial recycling services Norfolk County” or “ICI recycling Ontario”
Confirm service details:
- Does the provider accept the materials generated?
- Is the pickup schedule appropriate?

What happens if a non-eligible property puts out recycling after January 1, 2026?

Recycling bins placed at the curb by ICI properties after this date will not be collected by recycling trucks.

Can recycling be placed in the garbage?

No. Recycling must not be placed in the garbage stream.

How was this decision made?

The Province asked Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to explore how recycling could continue for ICI properties through potential agreements with municipalities. On October 1, 2025, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed that Circular Materials would not be able to fulfill this direction, and the Province would not proceed with further regulatory changes.

Despite initial progress, the Province confirmed on October 1, 2025, that Circular Materials (the PRO) will not proceed with the amendment. Norfolk County continues to work with the Province and local partners to raise awareness and support affected organizations.

This change is not a decision made by Norfolk County. Norfolk County Council supported continued service to non-eligible, ICI properties and had hoped these properties would remain included in the curbside program.

Learn more about recycling changes in Ontario.