Ontario is looking to make changes to its Blue Box recycling system, with new proposals aimed at controlling costs for businesses while improving transparency and accountability.
The provincial government is proposing legislative and regulatory changes to the recycling program, which is now funded and operated by producers of packaging and paper products rather than municipalities.
Under the system, companies responsible for producing recyclable materials pay for their collection and processing.
However, the province says rising costs and economic uncertainty have created challenges for businesses, particularly smaller companies trying to predict their expenses.
Environment Minister Todd McCarthy says the proposed changes would make the system more predictable.
“Our government is committed to a Blue Box system that ensures Ontario’s small- and medium-sized businesses have the tools they need to forecast and manage their costs more effectively,” McCarthy said.
If approved, amendments to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act would allow the province to regulate agreements between producers and the organizations responsible for delivering recycling services.
That could include rules governing fees, contract terms and how operating costs are reported.
The government is also considering new requirements for recycling carts and bins to improve accessibility and efficiency for residents.
Other proposals include clearer reporting of recycling costs, potential changes to the collection of difficult-to-recycle flexible plastics and stronger oversight of the organizations managing the program.
Ontario is also exploring the possibility of replacing the current program administrator with an independent administrator to strengthen accountability.
The government says the changes would build on measures introduced in September 2025 to stabilize costs, including gradually phasing in recovery targets for flexible plastics.
For residents, the proposals could eventually influence how recycling services are delivered, although no immediate changes to household collection schedules or accepted materials have been announced.
The province plans to consult with recycling organizations, producers and the public before finalizing the proposed regulatory changes.
