Blue and black bin collection changes coming January 1

Changes are coming to how blue and black bins are collected across the province. Under regulations from the Government of Ontario, responsibility for collecting and processing recycling across Ontario will transfer to producers of paper and packaging. This means that Ontarians will be able to recycle the same materials no matter where they live.

It also means that beginning on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the City of Ottawa will no longer be responsible for collecting your blue and black bin.

As part of this new recycling system, you will be able to recycle more – including plastic bags, toothpaste tubes and deodorant. Learn more about Ontario’s upcoming recycling system.

Circular Materials will be administrating the new recycling collection system on behalf of the producers. Their contractor, Miller Waste Services, will be collecting your blue and black bin.

• Continue to put your bins out by 7 am on your collection day. They will be collected by a different truck and collection may occur at a different time of day than usual.
• There will be minor changes to what can go in your blue and black bins as of January 1, 2026. A full list of items that can be recycled is available on the Circular Materials website. The City will provide more details in the coming weeks.
• You can continue to use your existing standard sized blue and black bins.
• Beginning on Thursday, January 1, 2026, you will no longer contact the City for any recycling-related services such as a broken bin or a missed collection.

More details will be provided in the coming weeks on who residents can contact for recycling collection services in 2026.

The City is working closely with Circular Materials and Miller Waste Services to assist with the transition of recycling collection services in Ottawa. We will continue to provide information to residents over the coming weeks as more becomes available. 

You can stay up to date on all things recycling and garbage by signing up for the Ottawa Collection Calendar mobile app, following us on social media or subscribing to the City news or Waste Plan newsletters.