It’s out with the old and in with the new for Toronto’s blue bin program as the city prepares to hand off its curbside recycling program to a new service provider.
Circular Materials, a non-profit founded to handle recycling on behalf of corporate giants such as Costco or Loblaws, will take over collections of recyclables for single-family homes, some residential buildings, schools, long-term care facilities and retirement homes. The change is the result of provincial legislation requiring companies that produce blue bin materials to assume responsibility for recycling costs and administration.
There will be no changes to collection dates and residents can continue to use their current blue bins. However, city officials say any complaints about missed pickups or damaged bins must be directed to the new collectors.
The city’s 311 line received nearly 24,000 calls from residents about the blue bin program in 2024. Counc. Paula Fletcher (Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth), who chairs city council’s infrastructure and environment committee, told reporters at a press conference Thursday, while she’s hoping for a smooth transition, she questioned whether the new service provider will be able to sustain the same quality of service.