Big changes may be coming to Ontario’s Blue Box program. Here’s how new recycling rules could affect you - Toronto Star

The province is considering eliminating pickup for flexible plastics and overflow recycling, including bundled items. Some worry more recycling could end up in the trash.

Recycling and garbage bins pictured on a Toronto street in this file photo. The province is mulling changes to the Blue Box program that could see limits put on how much recycling material residents can put out.

Ontario residents could face new limits on recycling collection if the provincial government moves ahead with proposed changes to its Blue Box program.

The Star reported Tuesday that Doug Ford’s government is proposing legislative amendments aimed at reining in the ballooning costs of Ontario’s privatized recycling program, following Circular Materials’ takeover of municipal recycling services at the beginning of the year.

Here’s what you need to know about the proposed changes, why the government may pursue them, and how they could affect you.

Under the new rules, the province would eliminate curbside pickup for flexible plastics, end the requirement to collect overflow recycling in bales or bags and end delivery of extra bins, except for residents with accessibility needs or those without access to depot collection. 

Currently, residents can request an additional Blue Box if their existing one cannot hold all their recyclables, and Circular Materials delivers it for free.

The Ford government may announce the proposed legislative changes this week, with a public comment period open until Nov. 26, according to a technical briefing document the Star obtained.

Flexible plastics are soft, bendable packaging materials as opposed to rigid plastics such as plastic bottles and yogurt tubs.

Recycling and green bins out for pick-up on Davisville Ave in Midtown Toronto in this file photo.

According to Circular Materials’ guidelines, flexible plastics include dry-cleaning, bread, newspaper and flyer bags; plastic wrapping around paper towels, toilet paper and beverage containers; coffee bags, deli pouches, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal liner bags and plastic gift bags.

They can currently be recycled in Blue Boxes, provided they are empty and free of food residue.

Rising costs facing the Blue Box program are the main driver behind the Ontario government’s proposed changes.

The Retail Council of Canada estimated in 2025 that Ontario’s Blue Box recycling program would cost companies $740 million to operate in 2026, nearly four times what they paid before the transition to privatized recycling began in 2023.

The retail council argues those costs will be passed on to consumers, and an Ontario family could pay $212 more for groceries a year.

Circular Materials began running the provincial recycling program on behalf of retailers on Jan. 1, following a three-year transition that gradually shifted recycling responsibilities from municipalities to producers.

Ontario is proposing to end collection of both flexible plastics and overflow material in bales or bags, a document says.