***Effective July 1, 2023, the Recycling Program will be managed by Circular Materials Ontario.  See more on this transition below.***

Customer Service Inquiries

For all curbside recycling collection inquiries, please contact Emterra Environmental:

Toll Free: 1-888-597-1541
Email: CustomercareOnt@emterra.ca

PLEASE NOTE: Mississippi Mills does not administer the recycling program and cannot provide any assistance for recycling collection. All inquiries must be directed to Emterra Environmental.

If you require a replacement recycling container due to damage or loss, please contact Emterra Environmental. 

Collection Requirements / Accepted Materials

Collection begins at 7:00 a.m.; however, routing changes that could affect collection times can often occur for several reasons, including new drivers, weather, road closures and vehicle breakdowns. If items are not curbside by 7:00 a.m. collection of your materials is not guaranteed.

Collection schedules can be accessed using the Recycle Coach web tool on our main Garbage and Recycling page.

Blue boxes and yellow boxes are collected on alternating weeks. The sections below outline what materials are accepted in each box. For further information on what materials are accepted, you can use the What Goes Where tool on our main Garbage and Recycling page.

If your bins have been damaged, please contact Emterra Environmental for a replacement.  Additional blue and yellow boxes can be purchased at the Municipal Office for $8.00 (price subject to change). 

Blue Box Materials Accepted

Paper – Newspaper, magazines, printer and writing paper, junk mail, and shredded paper.

Cardboard – Corrugated cardboard, brown paper bags, box board, paper board, and cartons.

Shredded paper can be in a clear plastic bag. This is the only item that should be bagged.

Cardboard bundles should be no more than 4’x 4’ x 1’.  All cardboard must be broken down and bundled. Not breaking down and bundling (no bigger then 4'x4'x1') will result in the cardboard being tagged and left behind. The collection crew needs to be able to easily handle all bundles.
Yellow Box Materials Accepted

Plastics – labelled #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, & 7 including plastic bottles, lids, clamshells, plastic food containers, jugs, and trays. The #6 items must be clear.

Glass – glass bottles and jars.

Polycoat – Boxed containers for beverages (such as milk or soups). Also called tetrapack containers. 

Metal – tin food cans, lids, and beverage containers, aluminum, cans, plates, foil, and empty steel paint cans. 

Styrofoam and #4 plastics are not accepted. All containers must be rinsed and be free of grease, food, and other residue. Paint cans with plastic lids or bottoms are not accepted.
Recycling Program Transition FAQs

What is happening to my recycling program?

Starting July 1, 2023, your recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit producer responsibility recycling organization committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems to minimize waste, and ensure materials are reused again and again. This transition will result in no change to the materials you can recycle or your current recycling schedule. Transition may mean that different trucks are used for collecting recyclable materials.  The same truck will not be collecting garbage and recycling at the same time. 

Why is my recycling program transitioning to Circular Materials?

In 2021, Ontario passed a new regulation that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of recycling programs to producers – i.e. those that produce and supply recycling materials to residents. In this new framework, producers will become fully responsible for collecting and recycling their materials when residents discard them. Transition to this new framework will take place between 2023 – 2025, with the new framework fully in place by January 1, 2026. As a result, Circular Materials will be managing municipal recycling programs on behalf of producers to support them in meeting their regulatory obligations.

Who is Circular Materials?

Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building efficient and effective recycling systems to minimize waste, and ensure materials are reused again and again. Circular Materials focuses on improving recycling rates to meet the needs and expectations of residents and to protect our natural environment.

What can I expect when Circular Materials manages my recycling program?

There will be no change to how you currently recycle your materials or to your recycling collection schedule. You will still be able to use the Recycle Coach app and web tool on our website to find recycling information such as disposal requirements and collection schedules. 

Who can I contact for recycling questions and inquiries following the transition date?

Circular Materials has created a section on their website with information on the transition. Residents can access it here: www.circularmaterials.ca/mississippimills.

What will change at the recycling depots?

At our Howie Road and Pakenham Depots you will still be able to dispose of cardboard materials. With the transition you will now be able to dispose of both cardboard/fibers and mixed recyclables (i.e., yellow bin materials). Depot staff will be happy to assist you.