Solid Waste Plan
A Sustainable Future for Brant: The Solid Waste Management Master Plan
In September 2025, County of Brant Council approved the new Solid Waste Management Master Plan (the Plan), a long-term strategy that will guide our waste services through 2050. The plan was developed based on extensive research, financial analysis, and valuable public input received in early 2025.
On this page:
- What's Changing?
- Why are these changes neccessary?
- How to stay informed
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact
What's Changing? A Phased Approach
The Plan will be implemented in three phases to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some of the key changes residents can expect.
Short-Term Changes (2025–2027)
- Blue Box Program (Effective Jan 1, 2025): The Blue Box program has transitioned to an Extended Producer Responsibility model, as mandated by the province. While your recycling collection continues, the program is now managed by Circular Materials, a provincial not-for-profit, and paid for by the Producers.
- Yard Waste Collection (2027): The curbside urban yard waste collection will be adjusted from nine collections per year to six collections per year.
- Christmas Tree Collection (2028): The annual curbside collection for Christmas trees will be discontinued.
Medium-Term Changes (2028–2040)
- Recyclables Ban (2028): In 2028, a ban on placing recyclables in curbside garbage will be implemented to increase diversion rates and align with our sustainability goals. The ban specifically prohibits putting blue box recyclables into regular garbage bags/containers or the general waste stream. The goal of this policy is to ensure that all recyclable materials are properly sorted and enter the recycling system, rather than ending up in a landfill.
- Organics Collection (Planned for 2032–2034): The County will explore and implement a curbside organic waste collection program. Further details on roll-out will be shared closer to the date.
- Automated Collection (Planned for 2032–2034): We will transition to an automated curbside collection system using carts. This will enhance efficiency and safety for our collection crews.
Long-Term Goals (2041–2050)
- The final phase will focus on maintaining and enhancing our waste diversion efforts and exploring ongoing innovations in solid waste management.
Why are these changes necessary?
With a growing community and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Plan addresses several key drivers:
- Sustainable growth: The new services and infrastructure will meet the needs of Brant's increasing population for decades to come.
- Environmental protection: Diverting more waste from the landfill helps reduce our environmental footprint and extend the lifespan of our waste disposal sites.
- Fiscal responsibility: The plan was developed with a long-term funding strategy to ensure costs are managed effectively and services remain affordable.
How to Stay Informed
As each change approaches, the County will provide detailed information through our website, social media channels, and local news outlets. Please continue to visit this page for the latest updates on your waste collection services.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the new Solid Waste Management Master Plan? |
| The Plan is a 25-year plan approved by County Council to guide how solid waste will be collected, managed, and reduced across the County of Brant. |
| Will my weekly garbage and recycling schedule change? |
| No, in 2025, there are no changes to your curbside collection schedule for recycling and garbage. Future changes will be communicated well in advance. |
| Who manages the Blue Box program now? |
| The Blue Box program is now managed by Circular Materials, a provincial not-for-profit organization, as part of a province-wide initiative. Your recycling collection continues as usual. Information about the Blue Box program can be found at https://www.circularmaterials.ca/ |
| When does the new yard waste schedule start? |
| The change to urban yard waste collection will begin in 2027. We will provide a new schedule closer to that time. |
| When does Christmas tree collection end? |
| The annual curbside collection of Christmas trees end in 2028. The last collection will occur January 2027. |
| When will curbside organics collection begin? |
| Curbside organics collection is planned for the medium term (2034). The County will provide updates as the program is developed and rolled out.
More information about the Plan can be sound EngageBrant.ca/SolidWasteManagementMasterPlan |
Contact
For more information contact our Operations department 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.888.44BRANT (1.888.442.7268) or operations@brant.ca