Owen Sound Businesses Advised to Find Private Recycling Services Ahead of 2026 Changes
Owen Sound business owners have been notified that City recycling pickup may end in 2026 under new provincial rules. Private services are now recommended.
Business owners across Owen Sound have been formally notified by the City that municipal recycling pickup may no longer be available to them after December 31, 2025, and are being urged to make arrangements with private waste service providers.
The notice, issued this month by the City’s Public Works and Engineering Department, follows changes under Ontario’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model.
“Under Ontario’s new Extended Producer Responsibility model... only eligible residential properties will continue to receive recycling collection,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, industrial, commercial, and institutional properties are no longer eligible under this new system.”
Until now, Owen Sound’s contract with Miller Waste Systems has allowed for recycling collection at both residential and business addresses. That agreement will expire at the end of 2025, and no replacement plan for ICI properties has been confirmed.
While the letter assures businesses that City Council is still actively reviewing options, it adds, “…we encourage you to start exploring private recycling services to ensure continued diversion of materials like paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic from landfill.”
At its October 16 meeting, Owen Sound’s Operations Committee deferred a decision on whether to continue recycling collection for non-residential properties once provincial Blue Box changes take effect in 2026.
Staff presented several options, including continuing service citywide at an estimated $120,000 per year, limiting service to the downtown core at a reduced cost, or discontinuing the program altogether.
Concerns were raised about shifting the cost burden to taxpayers, the risk of increased illegal dumping, and the potential impact on City-owned buildings. Council requested additional financial analysis before making a decision.
The City provided a list of local companies offering commercial recycling services and encouraged businesses to begin contacting providers to ensure they can maintain recycling practices beyond the end of this year.
They also asked business owners to assist Council in making an informed decision by completing a short survey before November 13, about their current recycling needs.