New Provincial Blue Bin Program: What It Means for Newmarket and Smaller Bin

Ontario is moving to a new, producer-managed Blue Box recycling system, and this change applies to cities and towns across the entire province, including Newmarket. This is a Provincial decision under Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation. Municipalities cannot opt out or adjust the requirements. Every community is transitioning under the same rules.

As your Councillor, I want to make sure residents understand what is changing, when new bins will arrive, how to request a smaller cart and where to find reliable information.

Why the Blue Bin Program Is Changing Province-Wide

Under the new Provincial system, responsibility for recycling is shifting from municipalities to the producers who create packaging and printed paper. Producers must now operate and fund the recycling system across Ontario.

Because this is a Provincial mandate, every municipality must follow the same standards. This means that bin sizes, collection schedules, accepted materials and service practices are consistent across the province. Recycling in Newmarket will be administered by Circular Materials, with collection subcontracted to GFL Environmental.

Learn more at: www.circularmaterials.ca/n6newmarket

When New Recycling Bins Are Arriving

Residents in Newmarket will begin receiving new wheeled recycling carts in December 2025. Most homes will automatically receive a standard 95-gallon (360-litre) cart.

Residents should continue using their current blue boxes until December 31, 2025. The new Provincial program begins at that time.

Full details are available at: www.newmarket.ca/bluebox

How to Request a Smaller 65-Gallon Cart

Thanks to strong and coordinated advocacy from the Northern Six (N6) Mayors, including Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, residents in our region will have access to a smaller 65-gallon recycling cart option. This is particularly helpful for seniors, residents in townhomes or condos, homes with limited storage space or households producing less recycling. Smaller cart order form. If you cannot complete the online form, you may request a smaller cart by contacting GFL directly:

GFL Environmental: by email n6recycling@gflenv.com or by phone 1-833-779-4351

Other Key Changes Coming with the New Provincial System

New automated collection trucks using mechanical arms will lift the new carts. Recycling collection will move to every two weeks instead of weekly. A consistent, province-wide list of accepted recycling materials will be introduced. Old blue boxes may be kept, repurposed or returned through a future Town-established process that will be communicated to residents.

What This Means for Residents

Whether you live in Armitage Village, Shining Hill, Summerhill North or Summerhill South, the same changes will apply to all households. Residents should prepare to receive their new cart, begin using it on December 31, 2025, follow the new every-other-week schedule and request a smaller cart if preferred.

Learn More and Stay Informed

Town of Newmarket Blue Box Information: www.newmarket.ca/bluebox
Circular Materials Provincial Recycling Program: www.circularmaterials.ca/n6newmarket
Newmarket Waste and Recycling Calendar: www.newmarket.ca/wasteandrecycling

I will keep advocating for residents to ensure that information is clear, options remain accessible and support is available throughout this transition. Together, we can adapt to these Provincial changes while maintaining the strong, community-minded spirit that defines Newmarket.

Kelly Broome
Councillor Ward 6 Newmarket
kellybroome.ca

In addition please find more information from Dawn Gallagher-Murphy Member of Provincial Parliament: Update on New Blue Bin Distribution for Aurora & Newmarket