If recycling feels different lately — you’re not imagining it.
Ontario is rolling out a new recycling system starting January 1, 2026, and while the goal is great (less waste, more consistency), the transition has been… messy — especially for small businesses.
You might be experiencing:
- Recycling bins not being picked up
- Confusing “accepted items” rules
- Sudden collection changes
- And the big one: overflow recycling left beside the bin getting skipped
We’ve been getting a lot of questions, so here’s a clear, simple breakdown — Snips-style.
Short Answer: What’s Changing With Recycling in Ontario?
Ontario is moving to a standardized, producer-funded recycling system managed through Circular Materials Ontario (CMO). In plain English:
✔ Recycling rules should become more consistent across the province
✔ Collection is shifting away from municipalities
✔ Businesses are seeing changes in service and pickup expectations
✔ Bin-only collection is becoming the new standard (meaning loose bags and overflow may not be collected)
What’s Actually Changing With Recycling in Ontario?
1) One Recycling System Across the Province
Ontario is working toward a province-wide list of accepted recyclable materials.
That means less confusion between municipalities over time — what’s accepted in one region should match another.
2) Producers Pay for Recycling — Not Municipalities
This is called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
It means the companies that create packaging are now responsible for recycling it.
This reduces pressure on municipalities — but it also creates change (and confusion) during rollout.
3) “Recycle Anywhere”
In theory:
If it’s accepted at home, it should be accepted at work too.
In reality:
There’s still a learning curve, and small businesses are feeling the transition the most.
4) Bin-Only Collection is the Biggest Change
This one is HUGE.
Starting March 1, 2026, recycling placed outside the blue bin (extra bags, loose cardboard piles, overflow) may not be collected in many areas.
This is meant to reduce contamination — but it’s also the #1 reason recycling is being missed right now.
5) More Materials May Be Accepted (But Prep Matters)
Good news: the accepted list is expanding.
Examples may include:
- Cartons (milk, juice, soup)
- Paper laminate materials
- More plastics / foam (varies by municipality)
But here’s the catch:
✔ items need to be clean
✔ items need to be sorted correctly
✔ and everything needs to be placed properly for pickup
Why Small Businesses Are Feeling This Most in 2026
One shift that isn’t being talked about enough:
Many small businesses now need to arrange their own reliable recycling pickup.
With changing municipal service levels, stricter bin rules, and overflow no longer collected, recycling has suddenly become:
- inconsistent
- time-consuming
- and frustrating
And for business owners… it becomes one more task on an already overflowing list.
That’s where SNIPS comes in.
SNIPS Small Business Recycling (Niagara Region)
A division of SNIPS Grounds Care
At Snips, we already care for commercial properties across Niagara — keeping sites:
Expanding into small business recycling was a natural next step.
This isn’t garbage hauling.
It’s property care + cleanliness + sustainability, handled by a local team you already know and trust.
What We Pick Up
We make recycling simple and reliable.
✔ Flattened cardboard
✔ Mixed recycling: plastics, cans, bottles (clean + dry)
✔ Consistent weekly pickup (reliable routes)
✔ Responsible drop-off at approved local facilities
Simple. Predictable. No missed collections.
Who This Is Perfect For
This service is a great fit for:
- offices and storefronts
- small commercial properties
- medical / professional buildings
- property managers
- businesses that receive frequent deliveries (cardboard overflow)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my recycling not getting picked up?
The most common reason is overflow recycling left outside the bin — many areas are moving to strict bin-only collection.
Can I put bags beside the recycling bin?
In many areas: no (or it may be skipped). The new system is moving toward bin-only pickup.
Does my business still get municipal recycling pickup in 2026?
Some businesses are seeing reduced service or changes in eligibility. Many are now arranging private pickup for consistency.
What should I do with extra cardboard?
Flatten it and keep it contained — or use a reliable pickup service (especially if overflow is becoming a recurring issue).
Do you also do grounds care?
Yes — this can be part of your property care plan, so you’re not managing multiple providers.
Ready to Simplify Recycling?
If recycling has become confusing, unreliable, or one more thing on your to-do list — we can help.
SNIPS Small Business Recycling is a clean, dependable solution so your property stays cared for and your recycling actually gets picked up.
👉 Get in touch to set up weekly service.
Call us at 905-892-9690