Mayors push back as new recycling carts spark concern and frustration

Blue box program transitioning to new recycling carts in 2026. (CTV News)

Communities across York Region have been voicing confusion and frustration as new carts arrive ahead of a major provincial change to how recycling is managed.

The rollout is part of Ontario’s shift to “extended producer responsibility,” which hands control of blue box programs to manufacturers and producers instead of municipalities. Circular Materials, the organization overseeing the transition, will take over collection on Jan. 1, 2026.

But regional mayors say residents are being left with more questions than answers.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said municipalities have no decision-making power over the new blue bins, including their size.

After meeting with Circular Materials this week, he said northern York Region mayors didn’t receive the clear information they were hoping for. Taylor said the group pushed for bin-size options and better communication and expects more details at a follow-up meeting on Friday.

“The message from all of us as mayors was extremely strong and clear. We want bin size options and we want better communications,” Taylor stated in the post.

Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas shared similar concerns, describing the response from Circular Materials as “not satisfactory.” He said all six northern municipalities stressed that alternative bin sizes aren’t simply a request, they’re a requirement, noting many residents can’t manage the large 95-gallon carts now being dropped at homes.

Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk said she’s hearing from residents who find the new carts too big, too heavy and difficult to store, especially for seniors or those with mobility challenges.

“It’s important to clarify that this change was not initiated by our municipality. The updated blue box program is part of a broader initiative led by the Province of Ontario under the producer responsibility framework,” Quirk posted to social media earlier this week.

Like the other mayors, she pressed Circular Materials for options and clearer communication.

While northern York Region communities navigate these early challenges, other areas, including Barrie, Simcoe County and Muskoka, will see a smoother transition. Circular Materials says those regions will keep their current recycling routines, bins over carts and schedules.

Provincewide, residents will see standardized rules in 2026, meaning the same items will be accepted for recycling no matter where they live. The list of recyclable materials will also expand to include black plastic, coffee cups, frozen juice containers, deodorant tubes and more.