Changes Coming to Recycling Collection in 2026

The Niagara Region has announced that, effective January 1, 2026, recycling collection for non-eligible sources (NES) currently serviced by the Region will be discontinued. Residential recycling is not affected — residents should continue to set out their blue boxes as usual.

These changes are a result of the Province’s Blue Box Regulation, which shifts responsibility for residential recycling to producers. Under this regulation, non-eligible sources, such as businesses, places of worship, and institutions, are not part of the provincial Blue Box system going forward.

During the transition period ending December 31, 2025, recyclables from eligible residential properties and NES have been co-collected on shared routes. As of January 1, 2026, recyclables from NES will no longer be collected through the provincial recycling system. 

Grimsby Council Approves Support for 49 Downtown Businesses

With these provincial changes taking effect in 2026, the Town of Grimsby is pleased to share that Council has approved the continuation of once-a-week recycling service for 49 downtown businesses and organizations throughout 2026.

Council has allocated $44,374 to maintain Blue Box collection for these properties, helping to ensure continuity during a period of significant infrastructure work in the downtown core.

This support aligns with the upcoming Downtown Grimsby Reimagined project, which begins next spring and includes major watermain upgrades, storm sewer installation, sanitary sewer repairs, and full road reconstruction. By continuing recycling service for these properties, the Town aims to ease impacts on businesses already preparing for construction-related disruptions.

The Town will reassess recycling service options for the 49 supported properties for 2027.

To review the detailed report outlining staff’s recommendation to support the Province of Ontario’s Blue Box Transition – including the proposed enhanced level of recycling collection service within the Downtown Business Area, please visit: https://pub-grimsby.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40277

What This Means for Other Non-Eligible Properties

Beginning January 1, 2026:

• Recycling collection for all Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) properties and other Non-Eligible Sources not included in the downtown group of 49 will end.
• Affected properties will need to arrange private recycling collection or use Regional or alternative depots/drop-off options.

If your property is one of the 49 affected, you will be contacted directly by the Niagara Region. 

We appreciate the cooperation of all business and property owners during this change and remain committed to supporting a vibrant, accessible, and resilient downtown.

Residential Recycling Services

As of January 1, 2026, residential recycling in Grimsby will be administered by Circular Materials (through Miller Waste Systems). The Town will no longer rely on the previous regional collection system or contractor. Residents looking for more information about recycling, acceptable materials, or program updates are encouraged to reach out directly to Circular Materials or Miller Waste Systems. 

Contact Information

Circular Materials
Phone: 1-877-667-2626
Email: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca 

Website: https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/town-of-grimsby/

Miller Waste Systems
Phone: 1-833-621-0726
Email: area19@millerwaste.com  

Residents should continue setting out recycling as usual. 

For more information about recycling and waste collection in Grimsby, visit www.grimsby.ca/living-in/garbage-and-recycling/ 

Garbage and Recycling in Grimsby following Downtown Reimagined

Town staff will continue to review waste and recycling services in the downtown core to ensure the changes beyond 2026 are effective for both businesses and residents alike.   

Learn More

More information about the provincial transition is available at: www.niagararegion.ca/projects/blue-box-transition