Starting January 1, 2026, the way recycling is collected in St. Thomas (and across Ontario) will change under the Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21).
Why Recycling Collection Is Changing
Under Ontario’s Waste-Free Ontario Act, the Province is moving to a model called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
This means the companies that make and sell packaging and paper products will now be responsible for collecting and recycling them after use.
To manage this new system, the Province has designated Circular Materials Ontario - a non-profit organization representing producers - to oversee all aspects of curbside recycling collection and processing.
As of January 1, 2026:
The City of St. Thomas will no longer operate or manage the curbside recycling program.
Circular Materials Ontario will assume full control and responsibility for curbside recycling collection in St. Thomas and across Ontario.
This change will affect residential and non-residential users differently:
What This Means for Residents
For most residents, recycling collection will continue without major changes:
- Your collection days and accepted materials will remain the same.
- Recycling will still be picked up at the curb as usual.
Customer service requests related to recycling collection will be handled by Miller Waste Systems rather than the City.
Customer Service Contact (starting January 1, 2026)
Miller Waste Systems
1-855-752-3762
[email protected]
Once the City’s current supply of blue boxes is gone, free exchanges for damaged bins will no longer be available at City Hall or the Community Recycling Centre.
The City is working with Circular Materials Ontario to make new blue boxes available for purchase locally so residents won’t need to travel outside St. Thomas to replace theirs.
What This Means for Multi-Residential Properties
Existing multi-residential buildings that currently receive recycling service through the City will continue to be serviced under the new program.
However, new multi-residential recycling agreements will not be added in the future.
What This Means for Businesses and Other Ineligible Properties
Under the new recycling framework, only certain types of properties are eligible for curbside recycling collection. Eligible properties include:
- Residential homes
- Schools
- Long-term care homes
- Retirement residences
The following property types will no longer receive curbside recycling collection after December 31, 2025:
- Businesses and commercial properties
- Daycares
- Places of worship
- Charities
- Municipal buildings
- Farms
- Campgrounds
While this change applies province-wide, the City is taking steps to support continued recycling access for local organizations.
Businesses and other ineligible properties will be able to:
- Bring recyclable materials to the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) free of charge.
- Use newly installed front-end recycling bins at the CRC for easy drop-off.
This approach maintains recycling options for local businesses and organizations while aligning with the requirements of the new system and without creating significant new costs.
Questions or Need More Information?
Circular Materials Ontario
St. Thomas Resident Webpage
Recycling Customer Service Contact (starting January 1, 2026)
Miller Waste
1-855-752-3762
[email protected]