Changes coming to Simcoe County recycling program

Changes are coming to Simcoe County’s recycling program.

Recycling in Simcoe County is about to change, but the blue box routine at the curb will stay mostly the same.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the province will take over residential recycling collection from the County of Simcoe. A not-for-profit group called Circular Materials will run the program, with Emterra handling pickup.

The County will continue collecting garbage and green bins.

“This transition marks a shift to a provincially directed recycling system,” Warden Basil Clarke said. “While we expect some challenges during the change, we’re committed to making it as smooth as possible for our residents.”

Here’s what residents need to know:

• Same pickup day: Blue boxes will still be collected on your regular day using your current carts. But new trucks may arrive at different times than garbage and organics. Put everything out by 7 a.m. (6 a.m. in some downtown areas).
• Who to call: For recycling issues like missed pickups or broken carts, contact Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or email [e-mail]. Garbage and organics questions still go through the County.
• More items accepted: The provincewide program will allow more materials to be recycled. A full list is posted at circularmaterials.ca/simcoe.
• Drop-off fees: As of Jan. 1, 2026, County waste sites will charge a fee for recycling drop-offs.

Discussions are still underway about how the change will affect small businesses and institutions, with more details expected later this year.

The changes don’t affect Barrie or Orillia, which previously made the switch to Circular Materials.