Interview with MPP Ernie Hardeman - August 22nd, 2025

Friday, 22 August 2025 10:54

Hardeman answered questions about the upcoming changes to recycling next year.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman has shared his insight on the upcoming changes to recycling collection in Oxford.

He says a provincial agency called Circular Materials will take it over on January 1st, 2026 so plastics producers can start paying for recycling.

"The province just regulates the industry and it has set up a not for profit corporation that the industry pays into and they set the parameters of how they're going to do it."

This agency will report back to the province with the collection results.

January 1st, 2026 is actually the deadline for Ontario municipalities to switch over to this new recycling method, so other areas have already done so.

The province only mandates four items for recycling pickup, but Hardeman says you should be able to place the same items you're currently placing in your blue bin under this new system.

"My understanding is, when I talk to the recyclers, that they will take everything that is presently being taken."

He says some municipalities have expanded what they're collecting for recycling since making the switch.

The collection schedule for recycling in Oxford is still being worked out with the County at this time, but it will be made public in the coming months. Hardeman provided us with some insight on how curbside collection schedules are usually created.

"It's done based on the volume they're getting and how they can reduce the mileage per tonne of garbage based on the truck loads they're taking every day."

We do know the trucks that will pickup the recycling will be completely separate from the trucks picking up garbage and organics. Woodstock and South-West Oxford will be on a six-day collection schedule for garbage in January 2026, at the same time the green bin is introduced. The rest of the County will follow suit with these changes in May 2027.

As someone who has been an advocate for recycling and reducing waste going into the landfill for years, Hardeman has given his stamp of approval to this new plan for recycling.

"Right now I can tell you I am very comfortable with the decision the province has of how we're doing to do the recycling. Make it a business on itself! It isn't really waste disposal, it's the manufacturers finishing their cycle of what they do with the material."

You can listen to our full interview with MPP Ernie Hardeman below: