A major shift in how curbside recycling is collected across the Greater Toronto Area took effect on January 1, 2026, when responsibility for blue bin collection moved from municipalities to a producer‑led model managed by Circular Materials on behalf of packaging producers. The change also expands the list of acceptable materials, including foam polystyrene (Styrofoam) and other previously excluded items.
For many Richmond Hill residents, however, day‑to‑day recycling routines have felt mostly the same since the rollout. Several locals report that collection schedules and practices have not changed significantly at their addresses, and aside from occasional separate trucks for green and blue bins, life at the curbside looks familiar. A number of community members have also welcomed the addition of Styrofoam to the list of acceptable blue bin materials, saying it means less waste going to landfill.
But not all experiences have been smooth. Some residents have raised complaints online about how the new system is operating in practice. There have been reports of blue bins being tossed roughly onto sidewalks and damaged, with lids or sides cracked following pickup. One person in Richmond Hill shared on Reddit that their bin was missing entirely after collection day — leaving them without a place to set recyclables.
These localized complaints mirror broader service concerns seen in other parts of the GTA since the transition began, where some households have reported uncollected bins or difficulties reaching the new provider for support.
Municipal and regional officials have said that in most cases collection dates and processes remain unchanged, but residents are now directed to contact Circular Materials or its contracted haulers directly for issues such as missed pickups or bin replacement.
As the new system settles in, Richmond Hill households — like others across the region — are navigating both the benefits of an expanded recycling list and the occasional gap between expectations and service realities.