Changes in province-led recycling transition goes into effect January 1, 2026

Residents and businesses within Simcoe County are reminded of upcoming changes to recycling services beginning January 1, 2026, as part of the province-wide transition to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). These changes are being implemented under a provincial mandate, requiring municipalities to adjust their programs. As directed by the Province, this includes changes to curbside collection for businesses and institutions as outlined below. Additionally, a new disposal fee system for recycling dropped off at County waste facilities will be implemented.

New recycling drop-off fees

Effective January 1, 2026, recycling drop-off at County transfer station will include a disposal fee. This change is necessary because the County will no longer receive provincial funding to offset recycling costs. As a result, the County must now cover the costs of hauling and processing these materials to maintain service.

• Minimum charge: $10
• Rate: $200 per tonne
• Fee applies to all residents who currently receive curbside recycling collection services and all industrial, commercial, and institutional properties.
• Learn more details by clicking here.

Reminder for businesses and institutions

Starting January 1, 2026, businesses and institutions will no longer receive curbside recycling collection, as mandated by the Province under Ontario’s transition to EPR. Businesses wishing to remove their carts can contact the County directly. While garbage and organics collection provided by the County will continue as usual for this sector, recycling must still be separated from garbage and disposed of properly. IC&I properties can drop off recycling at County waste facilities, subject to the fees described above, or arrange for private collection.

Simcoe County, along with many other municipalities, strongly advocated for the continued curbside recycling collection of small Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional properties. Despite this advocacy, the Province confirmed through formal notification in October 2025 from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks that Circular Materials would not be able to accommodate this direction.

The Minister’s letter outlining this decision can be viewed here.

For more details on changes coming to businesses, visit simcoe.ca/recylingforbusiness.

Reminder for residents

Residential recycling collection will continue on your regular collection day using your existing recycling carts. However, beginning January 1, 2026, recycling will be collected by Emterra trucks on behalf of Circular Materials. Garbage and organics will continue to be collected by Miller Waste. Pickup times will most likely differ due to differing collection routes, so please be patient if your recycling is collected at a different time than garbage and organics.

Starting January 1, residents should direct all recycling-related inquiries, including missed collections, cart issues, and accepted materials, to Emterra at 1-888-597-1541 or customercareont@emterra.ca.

Simcoe County remains committed to delivering high-quality waste services where applicable and supporting residents and businesses through this transition.

For more details on changes coming to residents, visit simcoe.ca/recyclingchange.