Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ filtered results:

Program: Blue Box

Topic: Collection systems , General , Management activities , Producer , Reporting
Yes, there are some key changes to the data reported to Stewardship Ontario and what needs to be reported under the new regulation, which may affect what a producer is obligated for and should be considered if using data previously reported to Stewardship Ontario:

There are fewer reporting categories than under the Stewardship Ontario program

Certified compostable packaging and products now must be reported separately, but this category does not have management requirements

There are only two deductions permitted under the Blue Box Regulation, and producers must report total supply and then report any weight to be deducted separately

Exemptions are based on tonnage supply under each material category instead of a total supply weight threshold of less than 15 tonnes as in Stewardship Ontario’s program

See our FAQ to understand “What deductions are available to producers under the Blue Box Regulation?”; “Are there exemptions for Blue Box producers?“; “Are there any differences in Blue Box producer hierarchies between the current Stewardship Ontario program and the new Blue Box Regulation?”; and “Are there are any differences in obligated Blue Box materials between the current Stewardship Ontario program and the new Blue Box Regulation?”
Program: Blue Box

Topic: Collection systems , Collector , Producer
Yes, there are several newly obligated packaging/products under the Blue Box Regulation, including:

Unprinted paper

Packaging-like products, such as aluminum foil, metal trays, wrapping paper, paper bags, cardboard boxes and envelopes

Service accessories, such as straws, cutlery or plates that are supplied with a food or beverage product

Durable products, such as CD cases, box board for board games/puzzles and power tool cases

Note: Another change is that beverage containers are obligated regardless of the sector they are supplied into (personal, family, household, or business purposes).
Program: Blue Box

Topic: Producer
Yes, there have been some key changes to the producer hierarchies which may affect what a producer is obligated for and should be considered if using data previously reported to Stewardship Ontario:

If a retailer is determined to be the producer based on hierarchies, but they are a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer.

Brand holders that are resident in Canada are obligated, which varies from the Stewardship Ontario program where brand holders that are resident in Ontario are obligated.

See our FAQ to understand “Who is a marketplace facilitator?”.
Program: Blue Box

Topic: Producer , Reporting
Yes, producers are legally required to register and report to RPRA. There are some differences between which materials were reported to Stewardship Ontario as a steward and what must now be reported to RPRA as a producer. Differences include:

newly obligated materials

brand holder in Canada now obligated (rather than Ontario)

producer must report total supply, and then report any weight to be deducted separately.

During transition years, stewards must meet their requirements (e.g., paying fees to Stewardship Ontario) under the Blue Box Program Plan and the WDTA. Producers also have requirements under the new Blue Box Regulation and the RRCEA, which includes registering, reporting, paying their program fee to RPRA and establishing collection, management and promotion and education systems for Blue Box materials.