Changes to Recycling Containers Coming to Petrolia

Following information obtained from Circular Materials, and Waste Management the following actions will take place in the Town of Petrolia for compliance with the new guidelines as outlined by the Provincial government.

Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, the Blue Box Regulation designates Blue Box materials, including packaging-like and paper products, under Ontario’s new regulatory framework for resource recovery. The regulation makes producers resident in Canada that supply packaging and paper to Ontario consumers fully financially and operationally responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life. Communities currently operating under the Waste Diversion Transition Act will have transitioned to the new Blue Box program by January 1, 2026.

Through a Provincial tendering process, Emterra has won the tender for recycling collection in the Town of Petrolia. This means that throughout November, Emterra will visit each residence with two 80L Blue Boxes.  You are to continue to use your Waste Management Recycling Bins (the bins with the yellow lids) until December 31, 2025.  Starting January 1, 2026, Emterra will take over the collection of your recycling on the same day as your garbage collection.  The Town of Petrolia is working directly with Waste Management and will provide information regarding when the old recycling carts will be picked up.

Why are we switching back to bins after we just recently switched to carts?

We recognize the impact of change and thank residents and communities for their continued engagement and participation in recycling through this transition. Resident participation is vital to increasing recycling rates and advancing a more sustainable future.

As part of Ontario’s transition to a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) blue box program, the local recycling collection contractor in Petrolia is changing as of January 1, 2026. The new recycling collection contractor, Emterra, will be using recycling bins, not carts, for recycling collection in Petrolia.

As the administrator of Ontario’s common collection system, Circular Materials follows a standardized procurement process to ensure the fair, effective and efficient provision of services that meets the obligations of the province’s EPR Regulation. Communities’ bin type is determined by their local contractor, based on the contract awarded during the procurement process. Several assessment factors are considered during the procurement process to ensure service delivery meets the needs of residents, the community, and regulatory requirements. Regardless of bin type or collection method, residents can be assured that their efforts to recycle matter and that all post-collection recycling facilities follow standardized sorting processes that align with regulatory performance requirements and result in positive environmental outcomes.

What should I do with my old cart?

The Town of Petrolia is working directly with Waste Management (WM), the Town’s previous recycling collection contractor, to identify a solution for the old recycling carts. More information will be provided by the Town and/or WM, and any inquiries regarding the old recycling carts can be directed to the Town of Petrolia.

Who do I contact for recycling questions?

Please contact Emterra:

•             Phone: 1-888-597-1541

•             Email: customercareont@emterra.ca

What if I bought my own blue box? Can I set it out for collection?

•             Yes, you may use your own blue box for recycling collection.

How should I set out my recycling boxes for collection?

•             Remember to separate your recyclables from your garbage and organic waste.

•             Place containers clean, dry and loose in your bin.

•             Place your recycling boxes on a flat surface that is clear of obstacles to ensure a safe collection.

Key Takeaways

• All users are to continue to use their Waste Management Recycling Bins (with the yellow lid) until December 31, 2025.
• Starting January 1, 2026, Emterra will begin collection using the new blue bins.
• All residential properties including single dwelling units, multi-dwelling units, apartment buildings, and apartments in downtown Petrolia will be moving to the Enterra Blue Boxes.
• All commercial properties will remain with the Waste Management bins with the yellow lids for recycling.
• Residential users should expect that the two new 80L blue bins from Emterra, will be delivered in November.
• Residential users should expect an update regarding the date of collection of the yellow lid Waste Management bins as we have the information.

Questions should be directed to –

Emterra at 1-888-597-1541

e-mail customercareont@emterra.ca