Residential Blue Box / Grey Box Transition
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

From July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 all existing residential Blue Box programs in Ontario - and Grey Box in Niagara - will move to a single provincial collection system that is fully funded, overseen and operated by producers of recycling materials.

Producers are those that supply Blue / Grey Box material (packaging, paper products or packaging-like products) made up of paper, glass, metal or plastic, or a combination of these materials to consumers.

Previously, gross costs of residential recycling collection programs were split approximately 50/50 between municipalities (taxpayer) and producers of Blue / Grey Box recycling materials.

Under the new full producer responsibility framework, Circular Materials will administer and manage contracts to collect and receive Blue / Grey Box material.

This change will affect:

• Low density residential / single family homes
• Multi-residential properties
• Specified non-profit / municipal long-term and retirement homes
• Specific public spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, sidewalks
• Public / private schools
• Residential components of mixed-use buildings

What this means for Niagara Region and its residents

• How this affects Niagara Region

  As of Jan. 1, 2024, Circular Materials will take over the delivery of residential Blue / Grey Box recycling collection services currently administered by Niagara Region. Circular Materials has contracted Niagara Region's existing collection contractors, Miller Waste Systems and GFL Environmental, to collect Blue and Grey Box material.

  Niagara Region will maintain collection of:

  • Curbside garbage
  • Large household items
  • Organics (Green Bin)
  • Leaf and yard waste
  • All materials from industrial, commercial and some institutional establishments

  Changes to the program and other financial impacts will be budgeted in the 2024 budget for Council's consideration.
  

• Waste collection schedule and items

  Residential properties should not expect a change to their collection day or collection frequency (once per week) because Circular Materials must maintain current service levels during the transition period (until Dec. 31, 2025).

  On Jan. 1, 2026, Circular Materials can make changes to the service and will be responsible for informing residents.

  Changes to items collected

  • As of January 1, 2024, some materials that Niagara Region currently collects such as books will no longer be accepted
  • As of January 1, 2026, some items will be added to the Blue Box program which were previously not accepted, including straws, cutlery and plates, and multi-laminate packaging like drink pouches and frozen food pouches
• Distribution and replacement of Blue / Grey Box recycling containers

  The new Blue Box regulation assigned the responsibility of distribution and replacement of recycling containers for eligible properties to Circular Materials and its contracted recycling collection service provider.

  As of Jan. 1, 2024, new homeowners and renters must contact the collection contractor designated for their city / town to get their free recycling boxes if they don't have them already or to replace their broken recycling boxes.

  • Miller Waste Systems - Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland: 1-833-621-0726 or area19@millerwaste.ca
  • GFL Environmental Inc. - Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, West Lincoln: 1-855-769-3760 or niagararecycling@gflenv.com

  Niagara Region will still be responsible for the distribution of Green Bins and Kitchen Catchers, and Blue and Grey Boxes and Carts for non-residential properties on Niagara Region's collection service. See our recycling cart order form for industrial, commercial and institutional, mixed-use and multi-residential properties (with seven or more units).

  See information on obtaining containers and distribution centres.

• Recycling depots

  During the transition, Circular Materials will need to operate the same number of depots for the collection of recycling from eligible sources in eligible communities. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, as per the regulation, they do not have any obligation to do so.

  Niagara Region will continue recycling depot services on behalf of producers. Niagara Region will still be responsible for the collection of other materials at the drop-off depots, such as garbage and household hazardous waste.

• Industrial, commercial and institutional establishments

  Industrial, commercial and some institutional establishments are NOT captured in the new Blue Box regulation. Blue Box recycling collection services to this non-eligible sector will still be Niagara Region's responsibility through the transition period.

  See our recycling cart order form for industrial, commercial and institutional, mixed-use and multi-residential properties (with seven or more units).

  For recycling collection inquiries from industrial, commercial and institutional or non-residential properties (businesses, commercial components of mixed-use buildings, municipal properties and places of worship), email Waste Info-Line or call 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542.

• Contact and customer service

  As of Jan. 1, 2024, Circular Materials' contractors will provide customer service for inquiries related to residential Blue / Grey Box recycling collection. Residents should contact the contractor designated for their city / town:

  • Miller Waste Systems - Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Welland: 1-833-621-0726 or area19@millerwaste.ca
  • GFL Environmental Inc. - Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, West Lincoln: 1-855-769-3760

  See information on the Blue and Grey Box program and acceptable materials.

  Niagara Region will provide customer service for:

  • Curbside garbage
  • Large household items
  • Organics (Green Bin)
  • Leaf and yard waste
  • Industrial, commercial and some institutional establishments
  • Non-residential properties, such as businesses, commercial components of mixed-use buildings, municipal properties and places of worship

  For all inquiries related to Niagara Region's collection services, continue to contact the Waste Info-Line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542.

Project timeline