Blue Box

Changes to the blue box program

The Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for the blue box program.

As of March 2, 2024, the Region transferred management of the residential blue box program to Circular Materials as part of the provincial shift to a framework where producers are fully responsible for the end-of-life management of blue box materials.

Residential recycling will continue in our community through Circular Materials and remains an important service to reduce waste at our landfill.

For questions related to the following areas, please contact Miller Waste. 

  • Replacement recycling containers.
  • Missed collections.
  • What you can recycle.

By email: area22@millerwaste.ca

By phone: 1-888-852-3450

For concerns or other recycling-related questions, please contact Circular Materials:

By email: customerservice@circularmaterials.ca

By phone: 1-877-667-2626

Visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region for more information. You can also download the Circular Materials app. 

Blue Box Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
In June 2021, the Province of Ontario announced a new recycling regulation that hugely changes Ontario’s blue box program.
  • The new Blue Box Regulation (amended) shifts the responsibility for providing recycling services, including funding and operation, away from municipalities onto producers who create products and packaging. This shift includes the curbside collection, blue box material sorting, processing and recycling of material, as well as resident education and promotion.
  • Shifting all of Ontario’s current municipally run blue box programs to full producer responsibility will take place over a three-year period between July 2023 and December 2025.
  • The Region of Waterloo will continue to manage the curbside collection of garbage, bulky items and appliances, green bins, yard waste and seasonal holiday tree collection.

EPR related council reports

October 7, 2025 - Blue Box Transition Update

March 5, 2024 - Blue Box Transition Details Update

August 15, 2023 - Blue Box Transition Update - Next Steps (report and presentation slides page 185)

January 10, 2023 - Blue Box Transition Update

August 10, 2021 - Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 321-21) Update

June 16, 2020 - TES –WMS – 20-02 Blue Box Transition to Full Producer Responsibility Update and Committee Resolution

June 18, 2019 - Blue Box Program Update

Organizations leading EPR

Circular Materials (CM)
Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA)
Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, 1-800-889-9768 
Province of Ontario - Waste Management page
Province of Ontario – News Release June 2021, Enhancing the Blue Box Program
Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority (RPRA)

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