As part of a province-wide shift in how recycling services are delivered, residential recycling collection in Simcoe County will transition to the management of Circular Materials beginning January 1, 2026. However, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks in October 2025, under the new provincial framework, Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) properties will unfortunately no longer receive curbside recycling collection as part of this transition.
Despite ongoing advocacy by the County and other municipalities to include small businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the new recycling collection program, the County received formal notification that Circular Materials will not be able to provide recycling services to these properties under the current framework.
“The shift toward producer responsibility for recycling costs is intended to support long-term waste reduction, which is a goal we strongly support,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “At the same time, the exclusion of certain properties presents challenges for our community. The County has maintained one of Ontario’s most effective recycling programs for over 30 years, with high capture rates and dependable service. We remain committed to advocating for broader inclusion in the provincial program, and we want to ensure affected organizations are aware that, starting January 1, they will need to make alternative arrangements for recycling. Our concern is that without accessible options, more recyclable materials may end up in the waste stream, undermining progress.”
These locations, such as places of worship, food banks, and small businesses, often produce waste volumes similar to residential households and currently account for just 1.4% of the County’s serviced units, suggesting that their inclusion could have been achieved with minimal disruption.
What businesses and institutions need to know:
- No curbside recycling collection: Starting January 1, 2026, recycling carts placed at the curb by IC&I properties will likely not be collected.
- Cart removal: Starting January 1, 2026, IC&I properties can request cart removal by contacting the County directly.
- Garbage and organics continue: The County will continue to provide garbage and organics collection for IC&I properties as usual.
- Recycling disposal options: Businesses may drop off recycling at County waste facilities, subject to a fee to cover transfer, haulage and processing costs.
- Recycling must not be placed in garbage: Businesses are reminded that recyclable materials must still be separated from garbage and disposed of properly.
A detailed FAQ to assist businesses as well as the Minister’s letter outlining this decision can be viewed at simcoe.ca/recyclingforbusiness.
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 Environmental Inc trucks on behalf of Circular Materials. Garbage and organics will continue to be collected by Miller Waste managed by the County. 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 your organics.
There will also be changes at County waste drop-off depots, where fees may be applied to recycling materials given that the County will no longer receive any subsidies for managing recycling.
Starting January 1, residents should direct all recycling-related collection inquiries, including missed collections, cart issues, and accepted materials, to Emterra Environmental Inc 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 residential recycling changes, visit simcoe.ca/recyclingchange.
News Release issued by the County of Simcoe on October 23, 2025