Premier Doug Ford has stated his readiness to adjust residential recycling collection procedures as necessary following a challenging start to the province’s recently privatized system in Toronto, where some full blue bins remained uncollected as of Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Ford emphasized the potential for changes if the current system proves ineffective, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement. The premier expressed optimism despite the initial hiccups experienced with the new recycling collection setup.
The inquiries arose after the initial pickups, slated for two “special post-holiday collection dates,” were missed last week in various Toronto neighborhoods. Blue bin collection transitioned away from Toronto as per a provincial mandate aimed at transferring recycling responsibility from the city to blue box material producers, effective January 1, 2026.
Circular Materials, a private entity, has assumed the responsibility for collecting recyclables from single-family residences, most multi-residential buildings, schools, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes. Notably, the changes in recycling collection do not extend to commercial properties, city establishments, divisions, charities, institutions, or religious organizations.
Areas experiencing uncollected blue bins include regions west of Yonge Street from the Humber River to Yonge Street, and from Steeles Avenue to Lake Ontario. Similarly, residences east of Yonge Street from Yonge Street to Victoria Park, and from Steeles Avenue to Lake Ontario, were impacted.
Councillor Josh Matlow, representing Toronto-St. Paul’s, received complaints from residents in Humewood and Leaside regarding the missed recycling pickups. Matlow criticized the privatization of residential recycling, citing concerns about accountability and transparency, and expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Acknowledging the issues faced by affected households, Circular Materials CEO Allen Langdon confirmed that recycling collection for a subset of households in two Toronto districts was rescheduled to commence on Monday and continue throughout the week. Langdon reassured residents that the special collection dates were communicated via postcards and expressed gratitude for their patience and cooperation.
Councillor Mike Colle, representing Eglinton-Lawrence, anticipated initial challenges with the private recycling collection transition and urged residents to contact the appropriate authorities, including the premier and the private contractor, in case of issues. Meanwhile, resident Mario Godlewski expressed frustration over the privatization of a previously public service, emphasizing the complexities introduced by subcontracting arrangements and calling for a resolution to the ongoing situation.