Circular Materials, the organization responsible for managing residential recycling collection in Windsor-Essex, is advising residents of upcoming changes to the region’s recycling program.

This information is being shared to ensure residents are aware of program updates and the available cart exchange option.

As part of the transition to a modernized recycling system, each household has or will receive a new 360-litre wheeled, lidded recycling cart. The new recycling program will not begin until January, and the new cart is designed to hold two weeks’ worth of recyclables and accommodate a broader range of accepted materials under the enhanced system.

Circular Materials has introduced the 360-Litre Cart size based on several important considerations:

• Bi-Weekly Collection Continues: Recycling will remain on an every-other-week schedule. Many households currently set out two blue boxes, equivalent to about 320 litres. The new 360-litre cart provides added capacity to support current and future recycling volumes.
• More Accepted Materials: Residents will now be able to recycle items such as hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, deodorant and toothpaste tubes, and more.
• All Materials Must Fit in the Cart: Recyclables must be placed inside the cart with the lid fully closed for collection. Items placed beside the cart will not be collected.

Circular Materials recommends using the new cart for at least three bi-weekly collection cycles (six weeks) before considering an exchange. Only one cart exchange is permitted per address.

If the 360-litre cart does not meet your household’s needs, residents may request an exchange for a smaller 240-litre cart. Exchanges are expected to begin after February 1, 2026, subject to supply availability.

For more information and to complete the Recycling Cart Exchange Request Form, please visit: circularmaterials.ca/essexwindsorcarts/