Blue Box Transition

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 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.

• Continue using two blue boxes to separate your paper and container recycling.
• You can continue using your existing blue box. There is no need to request a new one unless yours is lost or damaged. 
• Residents can still use clear plastic bags for recycling. This could change January 1, 2026. 

Beginning January 1, 2026, Circular Materials 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.

Historically, Ontario’s Blue Box programs were operated by municipalities who were responsible for paying about 50% of the program’s costs, while producers covered the other 50%. Under the new Blue Box Regulation, Ontario is transitioning to a new model where producers – the organizations that produce the products and packaging – are 100% responsible for operating and funding the program.

• Before March 31, 2025: Hamilton residents can get a blue box by calling 905-546-CITY (2489). Find a pick-up location. 
• Starting April 1, 2025: Blue box distribution will be managed by GFL Environmental Inc. To replace a broken blue box, contact [email protected] or call 1-844-415-4351 (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm). If you need an additional blue box, you will need to purchase one at a retail store.

Hamilton residents can continue using the Recycle Coach Waste app and online web tool to access their waste and recycling schedule, item search tool and collection reminders. Any changes to this starting January 1, 2026, will be communicated by Circular Materials. 

Circular Materials will provide recycling education to residents.

Between April 1 and December 31, 2025, there will be no changes to your building’s collection day or to the materials accepted in recycling.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Circular Materials 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.

Starting April 1, 2025: GFL Environmental Inc. will manage all inquiries related to recycling collection, including missed collections and requests for replacement blue carts. Contact [email protected] or call 1-844-415-4351 (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm).

• Residential blue box materials, including containers, paper, and cardboard, will continue to be accepted at Community Recycling Centres until December 31, 2025. 
• Bulky rigid plastics, such as storage totes, large toys, and lawn furniture, are not acceptable under the new Blue Box program and must be disposed of as garbage or bulk garbage. 
• Blue boxes will no longer be available for pick-up or exchange. 
• Commercial cardboard will be accepted as garbage
• Additional changes may be introduced in 2026.

• Between April 1 and December 31, 2025, eligible businesses will need to contact GFL Environmental Inc. to report missed collection or to get a blue box at [email protected] or call 1-844-415-4351 (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm).
• Hamilton City Council approved the continuation of eligible commercial and institutional recycling collection services to properties currently receiving service throughout the transition period (April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025). A decision has not yet been made related to blue box collection for these properties beginning January 1, 2026.

EPR is a framework in which producers – the businesses that supply paper and packaging to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials.