Ontario announces next steps in Blue Box Program transition
On August 15, 2019, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks issued direction to RPRA and Stewardship Ontario to begin to transition the management of Ontario’s Blue Box Program to producers of plastic and other packaging. This transition to producer responsibility will improve Ontario’s recycling and diversion rates, reduce costs to municipalities, promote innovation and standardize recycling across the province.
Read the Minister’s direction letters:
- Minister’s direction letter to Stewardship Ontario, August 15, 2019
- Minister’s direction letter to RPRA, August 15, 2019
In his letter, the Minister directed Stewardship Ontario to develop a plan with regards to the funding program for blue box materials collected under the Waste Diversion Transition Act, 2016 and Stewardship Ontario itself. Stewardship Ontario must submit its plan to the Authority for approval no later than June 30, 2020.
Based on Special Advisor David Lindsay’s recommendations, the Blue Box Program will transition to producer responsibility in phases over a three-year period, starting in 2023. This phased approach will allow time for public consultation, and provide certainty to municipalities and adequate time for producers to engage with service providers.
During the transition, Stewardship Ontario will continue to operate the Blue Box Program without disruption and residents who currently receive municipal blue box services will continue to do so. Please continue to contact Stewardship Ontario directly for any operational inquiries at werecycle@stewardshipontario.ca.
Information related to the program transition and future consultations will be posted to the Blue Box Transition page when it becomes available.