Ontario Government finalizes amendments to producer responsibility regulations 

Published on: Dec 20, 2024 Go back to the Latest News Archive

The Government of Ontario has finalized amendments to the following four producer responsibility regulations under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 (RRCEA):

Amendments were also made to the Administrative Penalties Regulation (O. Reg 558/22) under the RRCEA to update or add contraventions related to the amendments to the tires, batteries, electronics and hazardous and special products regulations.  

The amendments will:

  • Provide producers with greater flexibility to meet collection network requirements.
  • Reduce administrative burdens across the supply chain, including producers, processors, haulers, and collectors.
  • Simplify requirements by focusing on the right materials and parties, setting achievable targets, and modernizing activities that count toward obligations.
  • Enhance consumer accessibility while maintaining a focus on waste diversion, particularly in small municipalities, territorial districts, and First Nation communities. 

The amendments will come into effect on January 1, 2025, with implementation occurring throughout 2025 and 2026. Some changes apply to all regulations, while others are regulation specific. 

RPRA will provide detailed updates in the new year to support producers in understanding how the amendments will impact them. These updates will include guidance on how the specific amendments will impact reporting requirements such as supply, performance, and collection activities, and how to comply with the new requirements.  

For further information, read the decision notice on the Environmental Registry of Ontario posted by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.