2026 Recycling Collection Changes for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Properties

Under Ontario’s new producer responsibility model, starting in 2026, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) properties in Norfolk County will no longer receive municipal recycling collection services.

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.

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

• Small businesses
• Churches and places of worship
• Municipal buildings
• Most not-for-profits
• Daycares
• Campgrounds without permanent households

Will garbage still be collected?

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

What options do businesses have for recycling?

• Businesses can take clean cardboard to transfer stations free of charge
• Businesses can contract private recycling collection services

What happens if a business 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.