Brantford residents can recycle a broader range of materials through the Blue Box program as of Jan. 1, 2026, following the implementation of a provincewide list of accepted items under Ontario’s producer-operated recycling system.
The changes are being delivered by Circular Materials Ontario, a not-for-profit organization created by producers to operate the province’s Blue Box Program. Circular Materials has managed residential curbside recycling in Brantford since Jan. 1, 2025.
Under the updated rules, several new categories of materials are now accepted for recycling in Brantford and across Ontario.
These include flexible plastic packaging such as dry-cleaning bags, bread bags, newspaper and flyer sleeves, plastic overwrap from paper towels and beverage containers, coffee and snack packaging, chip bags, bubble wrap, cereal liner bags, and plastic gift bags.
Foam packaging is also now recyclable, including meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls, and other foam products.
Additional accepted materials include paper gift boxes; paper laminate packaging such as pet food bags, food-service paper bags and plates, cookie dough packaging, ice cream containers, and hot and cold beverage cups; and select plastic containers, including black food trays, toothpaste tubes, deodorant containers, and hand-cream tubes.
The City of Brantford said curbside recycling collection schedules remain unchanged. Residents may continue using their existing Blue Boxes and are required to continue sorting materials by cardboard and containers.
Circular Materials has contracted Emterra to manage all curbside recycling collection in the city.
Emterra is responsible for customer service matters, including missed collections and Blue Box replacements, and can be reached at 1-888-597-1541 or by email at customercareont@emterra.ca.
As of Jan. 1, 2026, commercial and institutional properties located on residential routes are no longer eligible for curbside recycling collection through the Ontario Blue Box Program.
This includes not-for-profit organizations, municipal buildings, daycares, and places of worship.
Recyclable materials from both residents and businesses may continue to be dropped off free of charge at the Mohawk Street Landfill, at 20 Morrison Road, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The changes coincide with the province’s full transition of the Blue Box Program from municipal management to a producer-operated model.
Under the new framework, businesses that generate packaging and paper products assume full financial and operational responsibility for recycling services, including curbside collection.
A complete list of accepted recycling materials for Brantford is available through Circular Materials Ontario.
