The County of Simcoe is reminding residents and business owners about big changes coming to recycling services on Jan. 1, as Ontario moves into the final stage of its province-wide shift to Extended Producer Responsibility. County officials say the transition is being led by the province and requires municipalities to adjust how recycling is collected and paid for. New Fees One of the biggest changes is the introduction of disposal fees at County transfer stations. According to the County, the fees are needed because provincial funding that previously helped cover recycling costs will end once the producer-run system is fully in place. Beginning Jan. 1, recycling dropped off at County waste facilities will be subject to a minimum fee of $10, or $200 per tonne. The County says the charges will apply to both residents who get curbside recycling and all industrial, commercial and institutional properties. Businesses and Institutions Businesses and institutions will also see a significant shift. The County says despite its push for curbside recycling collection of small industrial, commercial, and institutional properties to continue, the province confirmed Circular Materials “would not be able to accommodate this direction.” The County says businesses can contact staff if they want their recycling carts removed. While garbage and organics will still be collected as usual, recycling will need to be separated and taken to a County facility — where fees will apply — or handled through a private contractor. The province confirmed the change earlier this fall. Under provincial rules, curbside recycling collection for these properties will end on Jan. 1. Minister’s Letter In a letter sent to municipalities, Ontario’s Environment Minister Todd McCarthy wrote that producer responsibility groups “are not, and have never been, responsible for collecting blue box waste from industrial, commercial, and institutional sources.” McCarthy also noted producer organizations “will not voluntarily continue to offer this service” to municipalities in 2026, citing operational and financial challenges identified by the sector. He added that while the decision leaves “a gap in service across municipalities,” most businesses already rely on private collection, and municipalities will need to make sure local businesses are aware of the coming changes. What to Know Residential collection will continue, but not exactly as before. Recycling will still be picked up on regular collection days using existing carts, though it will now be handled by Emterra on behalf of Circular Materials. Garbage and organics will continue to be collected by Miller Waste. The County is advising residents to expect different pickup times due to new routes. Starting Jan. 1, all recycling-related questions, including missed pickups, cart issues and accepted materials, should be directed to Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.
