Here’s what you need to know about the new recycle carts coming to Windsor-Essex:

Blue box program in Windsor-Essex transitioning to new recycling carts in 2026. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

There’s a new recycling system coming to Windsor-Essex next year that includes shifting to new recycle carts.

What you need to know about recycle carts:

• New System: Windsor-Essex is transitioning to Ontario’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling system.
• Producer Responsibility: Starting Jan. 1, 2026, producers will be responsible for the cost and operation of recycling programs, not municipalities.
• Cart Delivery: New blue recycling carts are being delivered to homes this month, but you can continue recycling under the old method until the new year.
• Single-Stream Recycling: All recyclable materials can be combined into one cart. No more sorting into separate boxes.
• One Cart Per Household: Each household receives one cart.
• Additional Carts: Extra carts are available, if needed. Residents can request a second cart through GFL customer service if they repeatedly require more space.
• Flatten Recycling: Residents are asked to break down or flatten their recyclables to maximize cart space.
• Collection Frequency: Collection will occur every other week (bi-weekly).
• Old Bins No Longer Accepted: Old blue and red boxes will not be accepted after the final pickup at the end of December.
• Collection Method: Carts are collected by a hydraulic arm, which is why smaller bins are no longer accepted.
• Service Provider: GFL Environmental will handle collection on behalf of Circular Materials, the provincial organization managing the new program.
• Contact for Questions: For questions or concerns, residents can contact GFL.
• Simplified and Consistent Recycling: The new system aims to make recycling simpler and more consistent across Ontario, with a unified list of accepted materials.
• New Accepted Materials: The list of accepted materials will expand to include items like hot and cold beverage cups, deodorant and toothpaste tubes, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, and frozen juice containers.
• Transition Period: There may be a learning curve and some initial confusion as the region adjusts to the new system.
• Wheeled Carts: The new carts have wheels, making them easier to roll to the curb.