Recycling Programs
Ontario's Blue Box Transition
The Government of Ontario has introduced legislation changing how the materials you put in your blue box are managed and collected across the Province.
We'll be transitioning the blue box program, like all municipalities, as of January 1, 2026 to the Province's collection model. This means Saugeen Shores will no longer be responsible for your curbside recycling collection. It also means you'll be able to recycle more than ever!
How will these Provincial changes affect Saugeen Shores?
| Residents |
|
As of January 1st, 2026, residential properties should transition seamlessly to the Province's curbside Blue Box program. Residents may continue to use their existing blue boxes. All multi-residential properties will eventually (2031) become eligible for blue box pick-up throughout the province, even those who've previously had a private blue box collection. Since the municipality is no longer responsible for this service, any questions should be directed to Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling. |
| Businesses, commercial farms, places of worship, non-profits, and other institutions (Ineligible Sources) |
|
Industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) locations will be ineligible for Ontario's curbside Blue Box program starting January 1, 2026. This means businesses, commercial farms, places of worship, non-profits, and other institutions will no longer receive curbside pickup of recyclables as of January 1. However, to support local businesses and organizations, the Town of Saugeen Shores will be implementing a new convenience drop-off location free of charge at the Southampton Landfill for ineligible sources. |
Ontario's Curbside Blue Box Program
As of January 1, 2026, residents will be able to recycle more than ever, without leaving their home. Ontario's curbside Blue Box program will include corrugated cardboard, plastic bags, and styrofoam, items you previously had to drop off at a depot.
Since all recycling is being collected at the curb, there will be no recycling bins available for residents at the landfill. In addition, the three drop-off depots for cardboard, film plastic, and Styrofoam will close as of January 1, 2026. This includes:
- Public Works Yard - 339 Concession Rd 6 Port Elgin,
- Off Leash Dog Park - 815 Lehen Street Port Elgin,
- Landfill - 126 Concession 14 Southampton.
Signage will be installed at these locations to remind residents of the upcoming changes.
Please note, under the new program there are no drop-off locations for residential recycling. If you miss collection day, please hold onto your recyclables until the next collection day. Please refrain from disposing of your recyclables in your household garbage to help the environment and extend the life of our landfill.
Saugeen Shores' Ineligible Sources Program
Ineligible customers including businesses, commercial farms, places of worship, non-profits, and other institutions may bring their recyclables to the landfill for free disposal during regular landfill operating hours.
Upon arrival, customers will access the recycling bins through the landfill scales, where staff will screen and provide direction as needed.
Proof of ineligibility will be required. This program is not available to eligible sources (residents).
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why are these changes happening? |
|
In 2021, the Ontario government released the Blue Box Regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of recycling programs to producers - those that supply blue box materials to residents. As the administrator of Ontario's common collection system Circular Materials is responsible for operating the new system for blue box materials. They are looping in more materials and the new curbside pickup to benefit both people and the environment. As the administrator of the new system, Circular Materials is organizing recycling collection and have hired contractors to carry out collection across Ontario. Locally, recycling will be collected by Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling. |
| Why are businesses no longer eligible for curbside pickup? |
|
The Government of Ontario has introduced legislation changing how recyclable materials are managed and collected across the Province. All municipalities within the province are transitioning to this model by January 1, 2026. Unfortunately, the Provincial program for curbside recycling excludes industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) locations. To support local businesses and organizations, the Town of Saugeen Shores will be implementing a new drop-off recycling program for ineligible sources. |
| What new materials can residents recycle? |
| As of January 2026, residents will be able to recycle more than ever before at the curb, including hot and cold beverage cups, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, deodorant, toothpaste and more. Lean more about Ontario's new recycling system. |
| When is my recycling pickup day? |
| Soon you'll be able to visit circularmaterials.ca/recycleontario to find your 2026 collection schedules. In 2026, Circular Materials will also be releasing a recycling app. |
|
Who can residents contact for a recycling inquiry? |
|
The curbside Blue Box program has been subcontracted to Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling. For general recycling questions, replacement bin requests, accommodation requests or missed collections, residents can contact Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR). Phone: Email: info@brucerecycling.com |
|
Who do I contact for a new Blue Box? |
|
For new or replacement Blue Boxes, please contact Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR). Phone: 1-800-794-9770 Email: info@brucerecycling.com |