As of January 1, 2026, Ontario’s provincial recycling program has expanded to include a wider array of household materials, including soft plastics, plant pots, and specific food containers. According to the environmental group Clean North, this transition moves recycling oversight from local municipalities to Circular Materials, a province-wide producer responsibility organization, aiming to increase waste diversion and extend the lifespan of local landfills.
Understanding the New Recycling Landscape in Ontario
The shift in Ontario’s recycling model represents a move toward centralized producer responsibility. Previously, municipalities managed their own recycling streams, often leading to inconsistent rules across the province. Under the current framework, Circular Materials now oversees the collection and processing of recyclables.
Clean North chair Bill Cole emphasizes that residents must update their habits to align with these broader provincial standards. Because the organization manages the stream, they provide a standardized search tool for residents to verify item eligibility. This tool is essential for Sault Ste. Marie residents, as the city no longer operates the recycling program directly.
Pro Tip: Before tossing an item, check the Circular Materials database.
What You Can Now Recycle
The expansion includes several items previously categorized as trash. According to Clean North, residents may now place the following in their bins, provided they are empty and clean:
- Soft plastics: Includes overwrap from paper towel packages, toilet paper, and appliance boxes. These must be placed in the paper/cardboard side of the bin.
- Rigid plastics: Plant pots, seedling trays, clear food clamshells, takeout containers, and empty prescription medication bottles.
- Styrofoam: Meat trays are accepted, provided the plastic liner pad is removed and the tray is rinsed.
- Small components: Plastic caps and lids from bottles and jars are now accepted.
Materials That Still Require Specialized Handling
Despite the program expansion, many items remain prohibited from curbside bins. Contamination—such as food residue or non-recyclable materials—lowers the value of the entire recycling stream. Clean North warns that the following items must stay out of the bin:
- Alcohol containers: These should be returned to the LCBO or The Beer Store.
- Glass and Ceramics: Broken window glass, drinking glasses, mirrors, and dishes are not accepted.
- Greasy Food Packaging: Heavily soiled items, such as pizza box lids covered in grease and cheese, remain non-recyclable.
- Packing Materials: Packing peanuts often blow away or consist of compostable cornstarch rather than styrofoam.
Clean North specifically advises against recycling receipts. Because thermal paper often contains bisphenols (BPA or BPS) or PFAS chemicals, these materials can contaminate recycled paper products like tissues. The organization recommends disposing of receipts in the trash to prevent chemical cross-contamination.
Did you know? Recycling is only one part of the waste hierarchy. Reducing consumption, repairing broken goods, and opting for secondhand items are prioritized by environmental advocates as more effective than recycling alone for long-term landfill diversion.
Future Trends in Waste Management
The pressure to expand recycling programs stems from critical landfill capacity issues. In Sault Ste. Marie, the city is evaluating expansion options that could reach costs in the tens of millions of dollars. By capturing more materials through the Circular Materials program, the province aims to reduce the volume of waste requiring burial.
Community-led initiatives, such as the Zero Waste Sault Facebook group or the Clean North donation directory, remain vital for diverting items that do not fit into the standard curbside collection model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do soft plastics need to go in the cardboard/paper side of the bin?
This is a requirement for the sorting facilities to ensure that soft plastics are processed correctly without getting tangled in the equipment meant for rigid containers.
Can I recycle empty prescription bottles?
Yes, provided they are completely empty. It is best to check the official Circular Materials website for any specific local updates on bottle sizes or types.
What should I do with items that aren’t accepted in the bin?
For items like alcohol containers, use return programs like the LCBO or The Beer Store. For other items, check Clean North’s website for local donation or specialized recycling options.
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