As you are likely are aware, the Ontario provincial recycling program is transitioning to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This means that producers of packaging and paper products will become financially and operationally responsible for managing the collection, processing, and recycling of those materials, rather than municipalities. The transition began in July 2023 and will be fully implemented by 2026.
The City of Markham will transition beginning January 1st, 2026.
On June 17th Staff presented the transition report to General Committee. Please peruse at your convenience.
Miller Waste will continue to collect circular materials for the City of Markham, there will be NO changes to the collection schedule, frequency or the blue bins containers. In September the list of items which Miller will accept in the blue bins will be distributed. This will be a standardized list for the entire Province. There will likely be items taken now which will not be accepted beginning in January.
Miller Waste will also be handling all the waste-related inquiries and concerns for example missed pick up, program inquiries, blue box requests, contractor information. A toll free number and email will be provided for all of these inquiries. At this time as well, blue bins at mail boxes are under further discussion as Miller Waste will cease to pick up.
Beginning in September, information about the new program, what to expect, and what you need to know will be advertised across the City.
Stay tuned!