Recycling Program Changes Create Savings in Greater Sudbury

On April 1, 2025, operational and financial responsibility for residential Blue Box recycling in Greater Sudbury shifted from the City to producers, under Ontario’s new extended producer responsibility legislation. Circular Materials Ontario (CMO) is now the administrator of the residential Blue Box collection program.

This provincewide transition aims to improve recycling consistency and effectiveness by requiring producers of packaging, paper and printed materials to manage the collection and processing of those materials. The goal is to enhance recycling outcomes and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

These changes are expected to save the City $4 million in 2025 and $2.1 million annually starting in 2026.

What This Means for You

April 1 to December 31, 2025:

• On behalf of CMO, the City will continue collecting recyclables from residential properties and registered non-residential establishments participating in the Yellow Box program. There will be no changes to the Blue Box program during this period.
• Council will determine the Yellow Box program’s future, which may include full or partial cost recovery, or cancellation.
• There will be no changes to the non-residential recycling program in downtown Sudbury.
• Residents can continue to access information and make inquiries about Blue Box recycling through 311, the City’s website and the Waste Wise app.

Starting January 1, 2026:

• The City will no longer provide residential Blue Box collection services. CMO will oversee residential and certain public litter container Blue Box collection services, with Waste Management of Canada providing collection.
• The Yellow Box program is not part of the extended producer responsibility program. However, the City is considering subsidizing special collection to keep the program affordable and encourage recycling at small non-residential establishments. New applications may be accepted. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
• There will be no changes to the non-residential recycling collection program in downtown Sudbury.
• Blue Box materials from the non-residential sector will continue to be accepted at the City’s Recycling Centre on Frobisher Street at no processing fee. Materials may be dropped off directly or delivered by a private hauler.
• As CMO takes full control of the residential Blue Box system, further changes may occur, including collection days and methods.
• The list of accepted materials may also change. CMO is expected to introduce a standardized list of recyclable items across Ontario.
• All recycling-related information will eventually transition to CMO. Contact details will be shared once available.

For more information, visit greatersudbury.ca/recycling or call 311.

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