Non-residential properties in Georgian Bluffs face a major adjustment thanks to the province-wide overhaul of recycling collection, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.
The program shifts responsibility for the Blue Box program from municipalities to the Ontario government, with a producer responsibility model.
Households in Georgian Bluffs will see no change to their regular curbside service, but there will no longer be publically-run pickup of recycling from industrial, commercial, and institutional operations, nor from multi-residential buildings with six or more units in any municipality.
Many of these properties in Georgian Bluffs already rely on private haulers. They may experience no disruption, but those still using Township curbside pickup must arrange new service before the provincial system begins.
The Township has notified affected property owners and is urging them to contact private providers, such as Waste Management in Mount Forest or Miller Waste in Owen Sound, to secure ongoing recycling collection. Additional guidance and contact information are available at www.georgianbluffs.ca/waste.
Residents will notice one positive change: the updated provincial system will broaden the types of materials accepted at the curb. Items newly added to the list include hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, and deodorant and toothpaste tubes.
