There’s a new recycling system coming to Windsor-Essex next year that includes shifting to new recycle carts.
What you need to know about recycle carts:
New System: Windsor-Essex is transitioning to Ontario’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling system.
Producer Responsibility: Starting Jan. 1, 2026, producers will be responsible for the cost and operation of recycling programs, not municipalities.
Cart Delivery: New blue recycling carts are being delivered to homes this month.
Single-Stream Recycling: All recyclable materials can be combined into one cart. No more sorting into separate boxes.
One Cart Per Household: Each household receives one cart.
Additional Carts: Extra carts are available, if needed. Residents can request a second cart through GFL customer service if they repeatedly require more space.
Flatten Recycling: Residents are asked to break down or flatten their recyclables to maximize cart space.
Collection Frequency: Collection will occur every other week (bi-weekly).
Old Bins No Longer Accepted: Old blue and red boxes will not be accepted after the final pickup at the end of December.
Collection Method: Carts are collected by a hydraulic arm, which is why smaller bins are no longer accepted.
Service Provider: GFL Environmental will handle collection on behalf of Circular Materials, the provincial organization managing the new program.
Contact for Questions: For questions or concerns, residents can contact GFL.
Simplified and Consistent Recycling: The new system aims to make recycling simpler and more consistent across Ontario, with a unified list of accepted materials.
New Accepted Materials: The list of accepted materials will expand to include items like hot and cold beverage cups, deodorant and toothpaste tubes, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, and frozen juice containers.
Transition Period: There may be a learning curve and some initial confusion as the region adjusts to the new system.
Wheeled Carts: The new carts have wheels, making them easier to roll to the curb.