Markham households can now put a longer list of packaging in their blue boxes. On Jan. 1, 2026, the city's residential recycling program moved to a standardized provincial system that is funded and operated by the producers of packaging, rather than by the City of Markham.

Curbside collection and processing of blue box materials in Markham is now operated by Circular Materials Ontario, the administrator of Ontario's common collection system. The city says residents keep the same collection day, the same 80-litre blue box and the same collector, Miller Waste.

What's new in the blue box

The city lists these items as newly accepted at the curb:

  • Black plastic containers

  • Coffee cups

  • Chip bags and snack wrappers

  • Deodorant and toothpaste tubes

  • Frozen juice containers

  • Ice cream tubs

  • Styrofoam and plastic bags and film

Oversized cardboard is still collected at the curb, but it must be flattened and bundled to no more than 2 feet by 2 feet by 1 foot.

Depots and replacement boxes

Because Styrofoam, plastic film and large cardboard now go to the curb, Markham's recycling depots no longer accept those materials or other blue box recyclables.

The city is also phasing out blue box sales and exchanges at its depots and facilities. It stopped restocking in November, and any remaining boxes are available only while supplies last. New and replacement boxes can now be bought or exchanged through Miller Waste.

Who to call now

The biggest practical change is where residents turn when something goes wrong. Questions about missed blue box pickups or requests for new boxes now go directly to Miller Waste at 1-855-752-3762 or area10@millerwaste.ca, not to the city.

The City of Markham still handles green bin organics, clear bag garbage, bulky items and yard material, and residents can reach the city about those services at 905-477-5530.

Why it changed

The city says making producers responsible for recycling supports a circular economy, reduces the operational and financial load on municipalities and is meant to make recycling easier across Ontario. A full list of accepted materials is available from Circular Materials.