Residents petitioning new recycling system, barring use of Herby Curby bins

Windsor-Essex is set to switch to a new recycling system will see one type of bin allowed at the curb. This has led to residents petitioning the change.

Windsor-Essex is set to make a recycling system switch next year, and when they do, only a certain type of bin will be allowed at the curb.

Herby Curby, a local manufacturer of waste bins, said they are feeling left out. More than 1,500 residents have signed a petition, calling for officials to reconsider the decision.

Herby Curby has been making waste bins for the region for 40 years. It now is calling for its bins to be included in the blue bin program from Circular Materials.

The company said its hydraulic-lift bins work just like the new ones and by accepting them into the program, it would support local jobs and offers more flexibility for residents.

Circular Materials said only the new blue carts from GFL Environmental can be collected, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, because they are the only ones that are compatible with the new automated cart collection system.

Residents can keep using their current recycling bins until the end of this year. Anyone needing more room for recyclables can request a second cart from GFL at no cost after an assessment.