Recycling Update for Ward 7 Residents Using Clear Plastic Bags

Good news — if you use clear or blue plastic bags for recycling, nothing is changing.

Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario is moving to a new, province-wide recycling system that allows residents to recycle more materials, more consistently, no matter where they live.

What’s changing?

Ontario has introduced a new recycling system called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under this system:

• Companies that produce packaging and paper products will now fully fund and manage recycling

• Taxpayers will no longer pay for blue box recycling services

• Recycling rules will be more consistent across Ontario

The program is administered by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization working with Peel Region and local municipalities.

What does this mean for residents using clear plastic bags?

If you currently use clear or blue plastic bags for recycling due to space limitations at your property:

✅ You may continue using them
✅ No re-approval is required
✅ Your recycling will continue to be collected as usual

No action is needed.

What can you recycle now?

The updated program includes a unified and expanded recycling list, which now accepts additional items such as:

• Black plastic

• Hot and cold beverage cups

• Toothpaste and deodorant tubes

This makes recycling simpler, clearer, and more effective, while keeping more materials out of landfill.

Need more information or have a question?

• Recycling details: circularmaterials.ca/peel

• Bin or collection questions:
  GFL Environmental
  📞 1-877-268-4351
  📧 peelrecycling@gflenv.com

Thank you for continuing to do your part to recycle and support a more sustainable, circular economy here in Mississauga.