What You Need to Know About Hamilton's Recycling Program in 2026

Hamilton's recycling program has undergone some important changes this year, and we want to make sure every Ward 11 resident, business owner, and property manager has the information they need.

For Residents: Your Blue Box Collection Hasn't Changed

As of January 1, 2026, Hamilton's residential Blue Box program is now managed by Circular Materials Ontario, with collection services handled by GFL Environmental Inc. This wasn't a City of Hamilton decision, it is as a result of the new provincial Blue Box Regulation (O.Reg 391/21) instituted by the Ontario Provincial Government.

The good news? For most residents, nothing looks different. You continue to use your blue box or clear/clear blue bags, separating paper from containers, and placing them out on your regular waste collection day.

If your recycling was missed or you need a replacement blue box, contact GFL Hamilton Recycling directly — not the City:

Email: hamiltonrecycling@gflenv.com

Phone: 1-844-620-4351

For questions about the provincial regulation or service disruptions, visit the Circular Materials Ontario website at hamilton.ca or the Circular Materials Ontario Hamilton page.

For Businesses, Places of Worship, and Commercial Properties

Businesses that received City blue box or blue cart collection before January 1, 2026 continue to receive that service — now contracted by the City through GFL Environmental. However, please note that your recycling pickup day may have changed due to new routes.

An important deadline to plan for: as of January 1, 2027, the City will no longer provide blue box collection for businesses. During the 2026 Budget deliberations, Council approved extending the program through December 31, 2026, giving businesses additional time to arrange private collection service. The City will be reaching out throughout the year with more information.

To confirm your recycling collection day, use the City's business-specific Waste Collection for Businesses tool — look for the blue symbol indicating recycling details. For missed pickups or general inquiries, contact the Waste Management Division at wastemanagement@hamilton.ca or 905-546-CITY (2489).

For Mixed-Use Properties

If your building has both residential units and a business component, the two programs apply separately. Residential tenants follow the residential program and direct questions to GFL. Business units follow the updated business program and direct questions to the City.

Helpful Tools for Everyone

The City's online tools make it easy to stay on top of your waste collection. Use the "Find My Collection Schedule" tool at hamilton.ca to confirm your pickup days, the "What Goes Where" tool to sort items correctly, and download the Hamilton Waste App for personalized notifications and on-the-go sorting help.