Recycling setback feared as Ontario excludes businesses from blue box program

Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition says province’s new policy could reverse years of progress in waste diversion

NEWS RELEASE

RESCUE LAKE SIMCOE COALITION

*************************

The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition says the Province of Ontario’s decision to exclude industrial, commercial and institutional sites—such as small businesses, faith groups and food banks—from blue box recycling service starting 1 January 2026 is an unnecessary setback for local waste diversion.

“Communities across Simcoe County have worked hard to build recycling habits that keep materials out of landfill and protect the environment,” said Jonathan Scott, executive director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition. “Ending collection for thousands of workplaces and community organizations risks undoing that progress overnight. It also risks unduly burdening small businesses, faith groups, charities and other organizations that don’t have the financial resources to adapt—and adding more litter and waste to our waterways.”

“People want to recycle, and local governments want to help them do it,” added Scott, who is also a town councillor in Bradford West Gwillimbury. “The province should listen to both before this change takes effect.”

The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition is a grassroots environmental non-profit representing member groups and citizens across the watershed. Founded in 2003, the Coalition works to protect and restore the ecological health of Lake Simcoe through science-based advocacy, public education and collaboration with all levels of government.

*************************