WM’s new Cambridge facility supports Ontario’s standardized household recycling system
Together with the Greater Napanee facility, the new hub will process 30% of Ontario’s packaging and paper recyclables
WM is celebrating the opening of its new recycling facility in Cambridge, Ontario. The facility marks a major milestone in the company's investment in modern recycling infrastructure across the province, including roughly $300 million in investments across two new facilities in Ontario.
First announced in 2024 as part of a dual-facility development in Cambridge and the Greater Napanee region, the site is now operational and designed to support Ontario's transition to a more standardized Blue Box recycling system, in collaboration with Circular Materials.
Ontario transitions to a full EPR system
Under this extended producer responsibility framework, producers fund the system, while qualified service providers deliver collection and processing. This investment aligns with Ontario's broader policy direction, including the province's Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario and Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.
Ontario's transition to a full extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for Blue Box recycling is part of the province's expanded unified materials list. New recyclable materials in Ontario include coffee cups, deodorant and toothpaste tubes, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, and more.
Together, the two purpose-built facilities enable consistent processing at scale and help ensure recyclable materials are managed effectively as programs and material streams continue to evolve. Combined, they are expected to process roughly 30 percent of Ontario's Blue Box materials, strengthening the province's recycling network.
"The opening of our Cambridge recycling facility reflects WM's continued investment in the infrastructure that supports communities across Ontario," said Tracy Black, president, WM Canada. "Our teams are proud to deliver a modern, purpose-built facility designed to meet future needs while supporting reliable recycling today and helping build greater understanding through education and engagement."
"This state-of-the-art facility is a major step forward in advancing the future of recycling in Ontario," said Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials. "Now that the province has completed its full transition to extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper products, investments like this are critical to building a smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable recycling system. Through strong collaboration across the recycling value chain, we are creating the infrastructure needed to strengthen recovery rates, support communities, and help drive Ontario's circular economy forward for generations to come."
Advanced sorting technologies
Owned and operated by WM, the Cambridge facility uses advanced mechanical and optical sorting technologies, including optical sorters, automation, and artificial intelligence, to more effectively identify and separate materials.
These capabilities are designed to:
- Support the processing of a broader range of accepted materials under Ontario's standardized Blue Box system
- Improve the consistency and efficiency of material sorting
- Help manage increased volumes as the system continues to evolve
In addition to its processing capabilities, the facility includes a dedicated education centre designed to make recycling more transparent and accessible. Through guided tours and hands-on learning experiences, students, community groups, elected officials, and industry partners can gain a better understanding of how state-of-the-art recycling facilities operate and what belongs in the recycling system.
The facility has created more than 40 local jobs, supporting skilled roles in operations, maintenance, and technical services, and contributing to the regional economy. Similar employment opportunities have also been created through WM's Greater Napanee recycling facility.
This facility is part of WM's enterprise-wide plans to invest more than $1.9 billion CAD in 39 new and upgraded recycling facilities across North America from 2022 to 2027. These investments are expected to add approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes of incremental annual processing capacity by the end of 2027. Together, these are intended to expand WM's ability to manage more recyclable material and support broader access to recycling services for customers.
