The company overseeing the upcoming single-stream recycling program has a message for residents who are currently using the new oversized blue carts.
Please stop.
Circular Materials has been delivering the larger "blue box" delivery carts to homeowners and businesses across Windsor-Essex to prepare for the single-stream pickup effective January 1, 2026.
However, the company and GFL Environmental have reported a significant number of residents who are incorrectly using the larger blue boxes and setting them out for pickup now.
"Please note that the new carts are for recycling only and cannot be used until the new system begins," read a media release directed at residents of Leamington.
Collection crews will place an "Oops" sticker on the new cart if it is left out before January 1, and the material will not be collected.
Consumers are urged to refer to their current recycling and waste collection schedules.
"Until January 2026, please continue to follow the current recycling collection system using your existing blue and red recycling boxes. Store your new blue cart until the new system begins," read the release.
The purpose of the larger "blue box" is to simplify the pickup of recyclables by using one cart. Residents will no longer have to separate paper and cardboard products from cans and plastics.
The program is overseen by Circular Materials, not the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority (EWSWA) or the individual municipality.
For the latest information on the recycling program, visit the official Circular Materials website.
