Municipal collection of industrial, commercial, and institutional recycling to discontinue in 2026

November 03, 2025

Norfolk County Council has decided that, in alignment with provincial direction, municipal-funded curbside recycling collection services for industrial, commercial, and institutional properties will end after 2025. While this change does apply to Norfolk County-owned buildings and facilities, Council approved funding to support recycling collection services for County facilities.

Under Ontario’s new producer-led Blue Box program, curbside recycling services will be limited to residential properties. This change means that industrial, commercial, and institutional properties, including Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), daycares, places of worship, campgrounds, trailer parks without permanent or seasonal households, and commercial farms, will no longer receive curbside recycling collection through the residential program. As a municipality, Norfolk County’s buildings and facilities are also not eligible for curbside recycling collection services.

Background

Tuesday’s discussion at Council followed a report presented at the October 15, 2025, Council-in-Committee meeting, where staff presented three options for non-eligible properties: discontinuing curbside recycling collection for non-eligible sources, providing recycling drop-off at Transfer stations, or continuing collection through a dedicated curbside collection program.

Council requested staff return with further analysis of costs associated with continuing recycling collection of non-eligible properties. Staff presented options at the October 28, 2025, Council meeting, and after some discussion, the decision was made to move ahead with the provincial direction that non-eligible properties be responsible for recycling collection.

Council provided staff with direction to continue collecting recyclable materials at Norfolk County properties, including community centres, arenas, etc.

Norfolk County staff will provide communication to non-eligible properties about the change to ensure they are prepared to address recycling needs starting in January 2026.

Garbage collection for non-eligible properties

Non-eligible properties will continue to receive garbage collection services through Norfolk County. Starting in September 2026, Norfolk County is moving to a cart-based collection model and introducing green bins for organic waste.

To review related reports and documents, visit the October 28, 2025, Council agenda at norfolkcounty.ca/October28.