Changes Coming to Recycling & Waste Collection in Hamilton: What You Need to Know about Blue Box Changes
- Crista Cooper
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Big changes are coming to Hamilton’s Blue Box recycling program and waste management by-laws, and we want to ensure residents are informed and prepared. Here’s what you need to know about the Blue Box Transition, multi-residential garbage cart pilot, and key waste by-law updates that will impact how we manage waste in our city.
1. Blue Box Changes and Recycling: Transitioning to Producer Responsibility
Starting April 1, 2025, Hamilton will no longer be responsible for collecting and processing recycling from eligible properties. Instead, the responsibility will shift to producers of packaging and paper products, following new provincial regulations.
As part of the new Blue Box Program, single family dwellings, multi-residential buildings, non-profit retirement homes, schools, and specific public spaces will receive recycling collection service and containers from Circular Materials, a Producer Responsibility Organization, or its contractors.
What This Means for You:
✅ No immediate changes – Collection days and accepted materials will remain the same during the transition period (April 1 - December 31, 2025).
✅ My recycling was missed, who do I call?
Up to March 31, 2025, contact the City of Hamilton at 905-546-CITY (2489).
As of April 1, 2025, contact GFL Environmental Inc. at hamiltonrecycling@gflenv.com or 1-844-415-4351 (Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm).
✅ New provider – GFL Environmental Inc. will be handling all recycling collection and inquiries.
✅ Who is responsible? – Producers, through Circular Materials, will take over recycling collection for single-family homes, multi-residential buildings, schools, and certain public spaces.
✅ Where to get Blue Boxes? – If you need a replacement blue box, contact GFL Environmental at hamiltonrecycling@gflev.com or visit a local retail store.
✅ Changes after January 1, 2026 – Producers may adjust collection schedules, methods, and what materials are accepted.
🚨 Important: Businesses, City facilities, and special events will continue to receive recycling collection from the City until at least December 31, 2025.
2. Multi-Residential Garbage Cart Pilot Program
Managing waste in small multi-residential buildings has been challenging, especially in areas where there isn’t enough space for large waste bins. To address this, Hamilton is testing wheeled garbage carts for certain apartment buildings.
Key Details:
🟢 Who’s involved? – Twelve buildings (7 to 25 units) are participating in this pilot program.
🟢 Why carts instead of bags? – Carts improve safety, reduce pests, and keep our streets cleaner.
🟢 Next steps? – The City will evaluate the pilot in summer 2025 to determine if it will be expanded citywide.
3. Waste By-law Updates: Keeping Things Clear & Safe
To keep up with Hamilton’s evolving waste management needs, the Waste By-law is being updated with several key changes:
📌 Garbage Collection: Multi-residential buildings can now use wheeled garbage carts as an approved container.
📌 Health & Safety: Mattresses and box springs set out for bulk collection must be wrapped in plastic to prevent contamination and protect collection crews.
📌 Double-Bagging Rule Expanded: Residents must now double-bag diapers, in addition to pet waste and home healthcare waste, or face a $200 fine.
📌 Recycling Centers Updates: Certain materials, including bulky rigid plastics and commercial cardboard, will no longer be accepted at Community Recycling Centres.
📌 Clearer Definitions: The by-law has been adjusted for clarity and consistency with waste management practices.
How to Stay Informed
📢 The City has launched an education campaign to ensure residents understand these changes. You can find more details at Hamilton.ca/blueboxtransition.
🔹 Recycling (Blue Box):
Contact GFL Environmental Inc. at hamiltonrecycling@gflev.com or 1-844-415-4351
🔹 Garbage, Green Bin & Yard Waste:
Contact the City of Hamilton at askcity@hamilton.ca or 905-546-CITY (2489)
Important Dates for Hamilton
🔹 Transition Date: April 1, 2025 – City is no longer operationally or financially responsible for blue box collection and processing of recycling material for eligible sources
🔹 Transition Period: April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025 – No changes to collection days or acceptable items, residents will need to obtain replacement blue boxes from Circular Materials contractor (GFL Environmental Inc.) or retail store, inquiries related to recycling go to GFL Inc.
🔹 Post Transition: January 1, 2026 – Ontario-wide Blue Box program is in place – Collection day, collection method and acceptable item list could change
🗂 Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Blue Box Program Changing?
Under Ontario’s new regulations, producers (not municipalities) are now fully responsible for recycling packaging and paper. This approach is intended to make the system more efficient and consistent across the province.
Who is collecting my recycling now?
GFL Environmental Inc. will collect recycling on behalf of Circular Materials from eligible homes, apartments, schools, and public spaces. The City will continue to collect recycling from businesses and City facilities during the transition year.
Will my recycling day change?Not until 2026.
Continue putting out your two blue boxes or clear bags on your regular waste collection day.
How do I report a recycling issue or get help?
As of April 1, 2025, contact GFL Environmental Inc.:
📞 1-844-415-4351
How can I get or replace a blue box?
Before March 31, 2025:Call 905-546-CITY (2489) to get a service number and pick up a blue box at a Community Recycling Centre or Municipal Service Centre. Note: Supplies may run out before restocking.
After April 1, 2025:Contact GFL (see above) for a replacement. Additional blue boxes must be purchased at retail.
What if GFL service is unsatisfactory?
Residents may report concerns to:
📞 1-877-667-2626
You can also inform the City of Hamilton:
📞 905-546-CITY (2489)
Can businesses and apartments still use the Blue Box system?
Businesses and City facilities: Yes, until December 31, 2025.
Multi-residential apartments: Yes – they remain eligible under the new system.
What about the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs)?
Residential recycling (paper, cardboard, containers): ✅ Accepted until Dec. 31, 2025
Bulky rigid plastics: ❌ Not accepted (dispose of as garbage)
Commercial cardboard: ❌ No longer accepted
Blue box pick-up/exchange: ❌ Not available after March 31
Are there changes to garbage, green bin, and yard waste?
No changes. These services will continue to be provided by the City of Hamilton.
📞 905-546-CITY (2489)
Is the City saving money from this change?
Yes. The program cost was $11 million in 2024. For 2025, it will be $4.4 million — a savings of $6.6 million. Additional savings are expected in 2026.
Comentários