Blue Box Program Transition

As of 2026 Ontario’s Blue Box Program has transitioned into a Producer Responsibility Framework.Click on the icon below to learn more about the changes to our collection system! This means that the financial burden associated with recycling will now fall to the producer of the packaging as opposed to the consumer. Many producers have opted to pool their resources and contract a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to manage this new responsibility on their behalf.

The Municipality of Trent Lakes has partnered with Circular Materials, a PRO that will be managing much of Ontario’s Blue Box Program. Trent Lakes will continue to take care of operations at the Transfer Stations while Circular Materials will provide compensation, customer assistance, and contractor relations.

Material Source Eligibility

Under the new program, producers are only required to pick up residential blue box material. This means many businesses, institutions, and organizations are considered non-eligible sources (NES). Trent Lakes Council has opted to fund collection of NES material so that all residents receive the same level of service they are used to. 

Eligible Sources

If you are a resident of Trent Lakes and are bringing Blue Box material from your home or cottage, there is no change. The program will not affect your recycling experience in any way.

Non-Eligible Sources

If you are a resident of Trent Lakes and have any Blue Box material produced by your business or organization, please separate it from any residential Blue Box material. Once you have arrived at a transfer station, let staff know that you have non-eligible (commercial) material and they will direct you to a separate recycling bin specifically designated for NES. There are no extra fees for NES material.

Any questions may be directed to transfer station staff or the Supervisor of Waste/Public Works Coordinator at 705-738-3800 ex. 226