Businesses and Community Organizations Facing Recycling Changes: City Offers Supportive Transition

Starting January 1, 2026, the Government of Ontario is introducing a new producer-led recycling collection system. Under this system, residential curbside recycling will continue as usual, but certain non-residential properties, such as businesses and community organization sites that are currently receiving curbside collection services, will no longer be eligible for municipal curbside collection.

To help affected businesses manage this change, City Council has approved a temporary three-month extension of curbside recycling collection until March 31, 2026. This gives currently served properties extra time to arrange private recycling services to ensure uninterrupted service. Exploring options early will help compare service levels, pricing, and collection frequency.

These changes are happening as Ontario has implemented a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system under the Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21). Under this new system, producers—not municipalities—are responsible for collecting and processing packaging materials, paper, and packaging-like products.

Under the provincial regulation, recycling collection for business properties is not Producer-funded or administered. Continuing the service independently would require:

• Creating a brand-new City-funded or City-managed recycling program,
• Additional staff and operational resources, and
• Significant new costs to the community.

Ongoing lobbying is underway to find alternative arrangements for properties that will no longer qualify for curbside recycling; however, businesses are urged to make arrangements for their recycling in the event no solution is found. The City of Owen Sound will continue to share updates on its website as more information becomes available and will advocate on behalf of local businesses and charitable organizations affected by this change.

For more information, please contact Heidi Jennen, Supervisor of Environmental Services, at 519-376-4440 ext. 3223 or email hjennen@owensound.ca

Quick Facts:

• Updates will be posted to OwenSound.ca/Waste as they become available
• Not sure how to dispose of an item? Use the Recycle Coach app to search for any material and find the correct disposal method.

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