Blue Box Transition
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Blue box changes are coming to Hamilton
Residential blue box programs in Ontario are moving to a new collection system that is fully funded and operated by producers of recycling materials. The new collection system will make recycling easier by standardizing what can be recycled across Ontario.
Under the new full producer responsibility framework, Circular Materials Ontario will manage contracts to collect and receive blue box material.
The City of Hamilton’s blue box program will transition to producer responsibility on April 1, 2025.
The following properties will be serviced by Circular Materials Ontario as part of the new blue box program:
- Low density residential / single family homes
- Multi-residential properties / apartment buildings
- Specified non-profit / municipal long-term and retirement homes
- Specific public spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, sidewalks
- Public / private schools
- Residential components of mixed-use buildings
The City of Hamilton will maintain curbside collection of:
- Garbage
- Bulk garbage
- Organics (green bin)
- Leaf and yard waste, including Christmas trees
Blue Box Transition
Frequently Asked Questions
- Beginning April 1, 2025, the blue box program in Hamilton, including curbside collection and supplying blue boxes to residents, will be managed by Circular Materials Ontario and not by the City of Hamilton.
- Between April 1 and December 31, 2025, there will be no changes to your collection day or to the materials accepted in your blue box.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, Circular Materials Ontario can make changes to what is accepted and how material is collected under the new program. They will also be responsible for informing residents of any changes.
On April 10, 2024, Hamilton City Council approved the continuation of commercial and institutional recycling collection services to properties currently receiving service throughout the blue box program transition period, from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. At this time, no decision has been made regarding the service level beyond this transition period.
Producer responsibility means companies that supply blue box material, made up of packaging and paper products, to consumers are fully accountable and financially responsible for operating the blue box program to manage these products.
The provincial government is attempting to make Ontario's recycling system consistent and easier to use across the province by:
- Creating a standard list of materials that can be recycled across the province
- Promoting waste diversion by setting province-wide recycling targets
- Promoting innovation by developing a program that can recycle materials that currently aren’t accepted in blue box programs
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