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Recycling

same great service, small change

Blue Box Transition January 1, 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, the residential blue box program is evolving to a new standardized system that is fully funded and operated by producers of recyclable materials. By making the producers responsible, this Provincial program supports a circular economy, reducing operational and financial responsibilities for municipalities and making recycling easier across Ontario.

The curbside collection and processing of blue box materials will be operated by Circular Materials. For frequently asked questions and other resources, see below. 
 

Customer Service Contact

Same great service, small change!

Customer service representative

Starting January 1, 2026: All blue box-related inquiries, such as missed collections and requests for new or replacement blue boxes, must be made directly to Miller Waste, not the City of Markham.

Blue Box Customer Service:
•    Missed collection?
•    Need new blue boxes?

Contact:
Miller Waste
1-855-752-3762
area10@millerwaste.ca

The City of Markham will continue to sell green bins and kitchen catchers, visit our Recycling Depot page for more information.

Circular Materials

Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that builds efficient and effective recycling systems where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers to use as recycled content in new packaging and paper. As the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, Circular Materials is responsible for operating the new system for blue box materials. 

To learn more, visit Circular Materials.

Additional Resources:

For general questions or contractor service inquiries, contact Circular Materials:

circular materials logo

customerservice@circularmaterials.ca
1-877-667-2626
 

Same Great Service

Although the responsibility for the blue box recycling program is evolving to Circular Materials, there will be no change in how Markham residents continue to recycle in the blue box. 

What's Staying the Same

✔ Same Collection Schedule

✔ Same Container - 80L blue box

  • Continue to use your regular blue box

✔ Same Collector - Miller Waste

  • For all Blue Box inquiries, contact Miller Waste.

✔ Same Curbside Collection 

Yard Waste, Garbage, Recyclig, Organics
Markham Recycling Depots - Important Notice

Blue Boxes Discontinued at all Markham Recycling Depot and City Facilities

Blue boxes will no longer be available for purchase or exchange at any Markham Recycling Depot or city facilities, while supplies last. Some locations may sell out sooner than others, but as of November 2025, stock will not be replenished. As of January 1, 2026, blue boxes will be available for purchase and exchanges through Miller Waste. 

Recycle More, Right at Home!

Effective January 1, 2026, Markham Recycling Depots will no longer be accepting Styrofoam, plastic film, large cardboard or blue box recyclables at all locations.

For your convenience, these materials will now be accepted in your curbside blue box.

More items new to the blue box include:
•    Chip bags and snack wrappers
•    Deodorant and toothpaste tubes 
•    Styrofoam and plastic bags/film

Oversize cardboard continues to be collected curbside, must be flattened and bundled 2’ x 2’ x 1’.

All acceptable items and details can be found at Circular Materials.

 

Recycle Right, Recycle More!

As of January 1, 2026, new materials will be added to the Blue Box, such as:

  • Black plastic containers
  • Coffee cups
  • Frozen juice containers
  • Ice cream tubs
  • Deodorant and toothpaste tubes

For the full list of materials accepted for recycling across Ontario, visit Circular Materials.

Blue Box Guidelines Until December 31, 2025

Collection

Blue box material is collected every week on your regular collection day. 

Place your blue box at the curb by 7 AM on your collection day or after 7 PM the night before. 

Reminders:

  • Do not bag. Items must be loose in your blue box; bagged material can not be recycled. 
  • Plastic bags and Styrofoam are not accepted in the blue box. Recycle them at any Markham Recycling Depot for recycling 

Prevent your blue box material from becoming litter

High winds can be challenging at the curb, knocking over bins, blowing recyclables into the streets, and ending up in the parks. 

Follow these windy day tips:

  • Put your blue box out in the morning of your collection day, not the night before.
  • Don't overload; keep material below the rim; stack blue boxes if possible.
  • Bundle newspapers and place them on top of the lighter items.
  • Flatten and bundle small cardboard boxes (e.g., cereal, tissue boxes)
  • Write your address on your blue boxes in permanent marker — this makes it easier for them to be returned if they blow away 

Common items accepted in the blue box: 

  • All glass bottles, jars, jugs
  • All paper products
  • All plastic food trays, containers
  • All plastic jugs, jars, bottles (#1-7)
  • Aluminum foil/trays/plates/packets
  • Cans
  • Cardboard (bundled 2’x2x’x1’)
  • Drink boxes/cartons
  • Egg carton (paper/plastic)
  • Milk cartons
  • Paint cans (empty, lids removed)
  • Spiral bound containers (chip can)
  • Water bottles
  • Yogurt containers (clean)

What Happens to my Blue Box Material?

The Region of York processes Markham's recyclable material. Find out what happens to your recycling once it leaves your curb.

Unaccepted Material

These items are recyclable but not in curbside blue box. 

Recycle at Any Markham Recycling Depot:

  • Batteries 
  • Electronics
  • Styrofoam - Learn more about Styrofoam recycling.
  • Plastic grocery bags, bubble wrap, milk pouches 
  • Textiles - also at a Markham textile donation bin located across the City 
  • Metal pans 

How to Get a Blue Box until December 31, 2025

You can buy blue boxes at any Markham Recycling Depot. 

Exchange Policy

Broken or damaged Markham-branded blue boxes can be exchanged at the Markham Recycling Depots only. $5.50 fee applies. Kitchen containers cannot be exchanged. 

Blue boxes are also available for purchase at these locations:  (No exchanges) 

  • Community Centres
  • Angus Glen Community Centre
  • Centennial Community Centre
  • Milliken Mills Community Centre
  • Thornhill Community Centre

80 litres - $17.50 (prices effective Jan. 1, 2025)

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Payment

Recycling Depots and Community Centres accept cheques or debit/credit cards.

The Civic Centre accepts cheques, debit/credit cards and cash.