The Province of Ontario is implementing new requirements for recycling and waste diversion under the Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21). The updated system shifts greater responsibility onto companies that produce packaging, ensuring they play a key role in how materials are collected, processed, and managed at end of life.
With these rules coming into effect on January 1, 2026, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce wants to help local businesses understand what is changing and how to prepare. Our goal is to ensure businesses remain informed and supported as Ontario transitions to a producer-responsibility model. More information can be found HERE.
Why the Province Is Making These Changes
Ontario’s new approach aims to:
- Reduce reliance on landfill
- Require producers to take accountability for the packaging they supply
- Create consistent recycling programs across communities
- Shift the financial burden away from municipalities and taxpayers
Because the new framework restructures waste diversion, businesses will experience the impacts differently depending on their size, operations, and supply chain role.
What to Expect on January 1, 2026:
Changes for Small Businesses Using Municipal Blue Box Services
Starting January 1, 2026, small businesses in the Region of Durham will no longer receive Blue Box collection services.
- Pickup ends December 31, 2025
- Businesses will need to secure private recycling and waste-collection services moving forward
This shift will be particularly relevant for storefronts, small offices, and businesses in shared spaces that have historically relied on municipal collection. It is important to note that despite efforts from the Durham Region, the City of Oshawa, other local municipalities, and many other Ontario municipalities to seek options to continue collecting these materials under the new program, this can not be accommodated.
Below is the original FAQ provided by the Region of Durham
What does this mean for Durham Region businesses?
Blue Box collection previously provided to small businesses, including those located in Designated Business Areas will be discontinued.
When is the scheduled end date for Blue Box collection in Designated Business Areas?
Blue Box collection previously provided to small businesses, including to those located in Designated Business Areas will end on December 31, 2025.
Is Blue Box material accepted at Regional Waste Management Facilities?
Yes, Blue Box material is accepted for recycling at any Regional Waste Management Facility. Fees apply.
What is the estimated number of businesses affected by these changes?
Approximately 2,800 small businesses in Designated Business Areas throughout the Region and approximately 200 additional small businesses that are not formally included in Designated Business Areas are impacted.
How can small businesses arrange for recycling collection services after December 31, 2025?
Small businesses must arrange for private recycling collection services by partnering with waste management companies that specialize in recycling services.
What are the consequences if small businesses fail to secure private Blue Box collection?
Under By-law 2024-009, owners and occupants must not set out garbage that includes Blue Box materials for collection.
Will the changes to the Blue Box program impact garbage, organics, and leaf and yard waste collection?
Municipal garbage, green bin, and leaf and yard waste collection will remain unchanged.
Will Blue Box recycling collection still be provided for residents living above businesses?
Residents living above businesses, including those in local Designated Business Areas will continue to receive Blue Box recycling collection services from Circular Materials.
Medium and Large Businesses That May Qualify as Producers
Beyond small business impacts, some organizations will have formal responsibilities under the Blue Box Regulation if they supply packaging or paper products to Ontario consumers.
A business may be classified as a Producer if it:
- Manufactures packaged items
- Imports packaged goods into Ontario
- Applies a brand or private label to packaging
- Sells packaged products directly to consumers
Businesses that meet these criteria may need to:
- Register with the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA)
- Submit annual reports on packaging distributed in Ontario
- Meet recycling and collection targets, often through a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
- Contribute financially to the recovery and processing of accepted Blue Box materials
Since requirements vary depending on business type and volume, determining whether your organization qualifies is an important first step.
How the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Is Supporting Businesses
The Chamber understands that these updates bring new questions, and we remain committed to helping members navigate the transition confidently. We are staying in ongoing communication with key stakeholders, closely monitoring evolving guidance and implementation details, and supporting businesses in determining whether they fall under producer-responsibility requirements. Our team is also tracking deadlines, reporting expectations, and compliance obligations, while identifying recycling-service options for small businesses and exploring practical solutions to reduce potential disruptions throughout the transition.
We are learning alongside our members as the provincial system evolves. If you need help determining how these changes affect your business—or guidance on next steps—please connect with us. The Chamber is here to support Oshawa’s business community every step of the way.
