Kingston residents shocked as popular recycling drop-off depot set to close

City says provincial funding changes force shutdown at KARC on Jan. 1

The City of Kingston says the recycling convenience drop-off depot at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre will close on Jan. 1, 2026, after the Provincial provider, Circular Materials Ontario, stopped offering sustainable long-term funding.

The depot at 196 Lappan’s Lane will operate for the final time on Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The closure follows Ontario’s shift to a new recycling system run and funded by producers of recyclable materials. Circular Materials Ontario took over Kingston’s blue and grey bin programs on July 1, 2025. With the new system in place, the City says it can no longer support a separate convenience depot.

Officials note that curbside recycling remains available to all residential properties and meets provincial standards. They say the service is consistent and accessible, ensuring residents continue to have recycling options even after the depot shuts down.

Story by Alyssa Brush

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