Blue Box Transition
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 Ontario. For frequently asked questions and other resources, see below.
- Customer Service Contact
Same great service, small change!
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@miller.caCircular 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
• Ontario Waste Management
• Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority’s website
• Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act
• York Region Garbage and RecyclingFor general questions or contractor service inquiries, contact Circular Materials:
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
- The City of Markham will continue to maintain green bin organics, clear bag garbage, bulky items and yard material. These services are not affected by the Blue Box transition. Residents will continue to contact the City of Markham for support related to those services.
905.477.5530
customerservice@markham.ca
- 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/filmOversize 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.