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

On October 23, 2026, the Government of Ontario announced proposed legislative and regulatory changes that will impact the producer-run Blue Box program.

Among the proposed changes are 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 government will also consult with producers, PROs, other stakeholders within the sector, and the public on regulatory changes that would help producers better plan for the future and help PROs find ways to streamline operations and contain costs. RPRA will share more information when the consultation details become available.

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.

For more information, see the Ontario government’s news release, Ontario Introducing Changes to Improve Blue Box Program.