Ontario Government proposing changes to the producer-run Blue Box program

On October 23, 2026, the Government of Ontario announced proposed changes to the producer-run Blue Box program through amendments to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, which the Blue Box Regulation falls under.

If passed, the proposed changes to the Act will grant the province the ability to oversee the terms of contracts between producer responsibility organizations (PROs) and their producer clients. This may include regulating producer fees for the collection and management of Blue Box materials.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has also announced the intention to explore changes to the governance structure of the program, which could include the introduction of a new independent administrator.

MECP will consult with producers, PROs, other stakeholders within the sector, and the public before finalizing the proposed changes. RPRA will share more information when the consultation details become available.