CHANTRY — If you have ever stood beside your recycling bin wondering whether something is accepted, you are not alone. In 2026, Rideau Lakes is entering a new phase of recycling that brings an expanded list of accepted materials, clearer rules and consistency across Ontario.
This year marks the rollout of Ontario’s enhanced Blue Box recycling program. Under the new system, recycling is no longer managed or funded by municipalities. Responsibility now rests with the companies that produce packaging and paper products, which are required to collect, process and pay for recycling.
During the regular committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 12, Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield asked staff to ensure residents are fully informed about the changes.
Ben Rothwell, works and facilities coordinator, said much of the transition in Rideau Lakes took place in March last year and residents were notified at that time. However, as more municipalities join the program as of Jan. 1, and as provincial regulations continue to evolve, further updates are needed.
“There are new regulations from the province that need to be included in this information,” Dunfield said. “We should get this information out there in as many ways as we can. I’ve had numerous concerns raised by residents.”
Rothwell said the township can provide updated information outlining the current parameters of the program.
Coun. Deborah Hutchins said responsibility also begins with manufacturers and consumer choices.
“What you buy says a lot,” she said. “If people are encouraged to buy environmentally friendly products, we reduce the amount of waste.”
The new recyclable materials are listed in the 2026 township calendars which can be picked up at participating businesses in the township as well as at the municipal office in Chantry.
For Rideau Lakes residents, weekly curbside recycling continues, with the biggest change being what can now go into the blue bag.
What is new for Rideau Lakes recycling
The updated recycling program expands the list of acceptable materials. Items that were once confusing or rejected can now be recycled province wide.
New and expanded recyclable items include:
- Hot and cold beverage cups and lids, including coffee cups
- Black plastic containers
- Toothpaste and deodorant tubes
- Flexible plastic packaging such as chip bags, bread bags and snack wrappers
- Ice cream tubs and food tubs
- Foil and aerosol containers
- Paper laminate packaging such as pet food bags and glossy packaging
- Shredded paper placed in a tied blue plastic bag
The goal is to reduce confusion, divert more waste from landfill and make recycling rules the same no matter where you live in Ontario.
How recycling pickup works in Rideau Lakes
Rideau Lakes continues to use an alternating week recycling system. One week is for plastics, metal and glass bottles and jars, while the following week is for paper, cardboard and boxboard
If recycling is placed at the road side on the wrong week, it will not be collected and a notice tag will be left explaining why.
All recycling must be:
- Placed in blue bags
- Clean and sorted
- Tied securely
- Under 40 pounds per bag
- Set out by 7 a.m. on collection day
Each household may place up to five blue bags at the curb each week at no cost. Pickup days vary depending on location. Residents can find their specific collection day using the township’s online waste schedule by road listing.
Tips for recycling right
- Check the township calendar weekly to confirm whether it is containers week or paper week
- Rinse containers and remove food residue to avoid contamination
- Flatten cardboard and crush bottles to save space
- Review the expanded material list since many items previously treated as garbage are now recyclable
The new Blue Box system is designed to make recycling in Rideau Lakes easier, more consistent and more effective. As the transition continues through 2026, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take advantage of the expanded recycling options now available.
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