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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • The Far North Boundary is the line between Ontario’s Far North and all communities south of the Far North.

    Under the Far North Act, 2010, “Far North” is defined as the portion of Ontario that lies north of the land consisting of:

    • Woodland Caribou Provincial Park;
    • Red Lake Forest, Trout Lake Forest, Lac Seul Forest and Caribou Forest;
    • Wabakimi Provincial Park, and;
    • Ogoki Forest, Kenogami Forest, Hearst Forest, Gordon Cosens Forest and Cochrane-Moose River.

    Also see our FAQ: ‘What producer-run recycling programs can remote or fly-in First Nation communities in Ontario access?’

  • As of October 1, 2021, producers of refillable propane containers must establish and operate a call-in collection number for the following representatives to request a pickup:

    • a council of the band
    • a municipality that is not located in the Far North
    • a reserve in the Far North
    • a territorial district that is not located in the Far North
    • a depot where refillable propane containers are collected, that is owned or operated by the Crown in right of Ontario and that is not located in the Far North
  • Producers of mercury-containing barometers, thermometers and thermostats are required to provide a call-in collection service. A pick up must be arranged for that type of HSP regardless of the brand within three months from being notified if requested by the following representatives:

    • a council of the band
    • a municipality not located in the Far North
    • a territorial district that is not located in the Far North
    • a depot owned or operated by the Crown not in the Far North

    Producers shall make reasonable efforts to collect the HSP within one year of being notified by a representative of a council of the band located on a reserve in the Far North.

    For producers to meet their obligations, they have the choice of establishing and operating their own collection and management system or working with one or more producer responsibility organizations (PROs) that are registered with RPRA.

    Please contact the Compliance and Registry Team at 1-833-600-0530 or [email protected] to discuss other requirements under the HSP Regulation.

  • For oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze, paints and coatings, solvents and pesticides, all First Nation communities can contact a large producer or its producer responsibility organization (PRO) to arrange a pickup once they collect more than 100 kg of HSP material.

    For other materials such as refillable pressurized containers, refillable propane containers, and mercury containing devices, First Nation communities can contact a PRO or producer for pick-up at any time as there is no minimum threshold.

    For communities located outside the Far North, producers must collect the material regardless of the brand within 3 months of being notified.

    For communities located in the Far North, producers must make reasonable efforts to collect the HSP within one year of being notified.

    See our FAQ to understand, “What is the Far North Boundary?”

  • All remote and fly-in First Nation communities can access the Hazardous Special Products (HSP, formerly known as Household Hazardous Waste) producer-run program.

    All other producer-run recycling programs are only accessible to communities south of the Far North Boundary.

    For more information about recycling programs in First Nation Communities, visit our Recycling in First Nation Communities webpage.

    Also see our FAQ: ‘What is the Far North Boundary?’

  • No, First Nation communities are not required to sign agreements with a PRO or PROs to have materials picked up.

    Producers, or PROs on their behalf, are required to provide call-in collection services to pick up tires, electronics, lighting, batteries, and household hazardous and special products free of charge.

    For details about minimum amounts required for pickup, timelines for pickup for communities both north and south of the Far North boundary, and contact information for PROs that offer call-in collection, visit our Recycling in First Nation Communities webpage.

  • If your community is south of the Far North boundary, you can complete the registration form and email it to [email protected] to express your community’s interest in participating in the producer-run Blue Box program. A Compliance Officer will reach out to you to discuss the reporting and offer process, confirm the information provided in the registration form, and answer any questions you may have.

  • If your First Nation is located south of the Far North and wants to join the Blue Box program, they first need to complete a registration form and submit it to [email protected].

    Once this form is completed and submitted to RPRA, the administrator of the Blue Box common collection system, Circular Materials, will reach out to prepare an offer for collection services. After reviewing the offer, First Nation communities can indicate whether they accept it by informing RPRA.

  • An alternative collection system is one of three types of collection and management systems for Blue Box materials. Producers can choose to establish or participate in an alternative collection system to meet their collection, management, and promotion and education requirements under the Blue Box Regulation.

    An alternative collection system can be established by one or more producers or PROs. The system must demonstrate that it can meet all system regulatory requirements as well as the minimum management requirements for participating producer(s). A producer can choose to meet their obligations using an alternative collection system instead of participating in the common collection system.

    Types of alternative collection systems may vary and can include depot or return-by-mail systems. Alternative collection systems must service all eligible communities south of Ontario’s Far North.

    For more information on alternative collection system registration criteria, please reach out to [email protected].

    Also see: ‘What is the Blue Box common collection system?’, ‘What is a Blue Box supplemental collection system?’

  • The common collection system is the Blue Box material collection and management system established by PROs on behalf of producers. Blue Box materials that are picked up through curbside residential collection, for instance, are processed through the common collection system. The system came into effect on July 1, 2023, as outlined in the Blue Box Regulation. The common collection system services all eligible communities south of Ontario’s Far North.

    It is one of three types of collection and management systems that producers can choose to use to meet their minimum management requirements. Producers who use the common collection system to meet their obligations will contract with a PRO that is participating in the common collection system.

    Also see: ‘What is a Blue Box Alternative collection system?’, ‘What is a Blue Box supplemental collection system?’

  • A supplemental collection system is one of three types of collection and management systems that producers can choose to establish or participate in to contribute to their collection, management, and promotion and education requirements under the Blue Box Regulation.

    Supplemental collection systems are not required to service all eligible communities south of Ontario’s Far North. Therefore, a producer participating in this type of system is still required to participate in the common collection system to meet their obligation to collect and manage Blue Box materials from all eligible communities, and to provide a promotion and education program.

    One or more producers or PROs can establish a supplemental collection system. If a producer or PRO wishes to use a supplemental collection system’s collected materials towards producer minimum management requirements, that system should register with RPRA.

    For more information on supplemental collection system registration criteria, please reach out to [email protected].

    Also see: ‘What is the Blue Box common collection system?’, ‘What is a Blue Box alternative collection system?’

  • No. Fees will be invoiced monthly and will include applicable fees for manifests completed during the previous month. Fees for onsite disposal will be invoiced at the time the disposal activity report is completed. 

    See FAQ: What payment methods are available in the Registry?

    See FAQ: Who pays RPRA’s HWP Registry fees?  

    See FAQ: What information is included on an invoice for HWP Registry fees? 

  • The Hazardous Waste Program (HWP) Registry is unable to issue separate invoices for different facilities managed under one account. However, users can export to excel fee-related details for manifests that have been invoiced and sort it by facility. 

    Monthly invoices will include the applicable fees for manifests completed during the previous month and will break fees down by facility. If you need more details about facility-specific activities, you can find that information directly in the Registry. 

    See FAQ: What information is included on an invoice for HWP Registry fees? 
    See FAQ: Can I submit a partial payment for only the facilities I manage?
    See FAQ: Where can I find past invoices in the Registry?

  • All information required to be reported under the Hazardous Waste Program and Regulation 347: General – Waste Management will need to be submitted through the new Hazardous Waste Program Registry starting January 1, 2023.

    However, the amended Regulation 347: General – Waste Management makes clear that a generator can delegate reporting activities to a service provider, so service providers can submit the required information to the Registry and pay fees on behalf of the generator.

    See FAQ: Where can I find information about the Hazardous Waste Program and associated regulations

    See FAQ: what is delegation?

  • Yes, all users who have an active waste stream associated with an active facility and have not delegated account creation to an Authorized Generator Delegate are required to create an account in the HWP Registry. Account creation consists of entering your company name and contact information and creating usernames and passwords. Once you create an account in the new registry, you will be able to migrate all of your existing generator numbers from HWIN (and associated facility and waste information) to your one company account.

    If you are a generator who is fully delegating to an Authorized Generator Delegate (AGD), you will not have to create a Registry account. In that case, the AGD will manage your facility and waste information under their own Registry account.

    If you are a generator who doesn’t have an active waste stream associated with an active facility, there is no need to create a registry account or delegate an AGD to do so on your behalf.

    See FAQ: Will HWIN users’ data be migrated to the HWP Registry?

    See FAQ: What is delegation?

  • Fees will be charged to generators only, aligning with the current Hazardous Waste Program fee structure.

    If full delegation is selected, the authorized delegate that registers the generator’s facility will pay the fees. 

    If a generator has partially delegated to a service provider, the AGD can manage and report activities at the generators’ facilities, but the generator will be responsible for paying the fees. 

    See FAQ: Will I pay my fees using a prepaid account like HWIN?  

    See FAQ: Is there a fee to set up an account in the HWP Registry? 

  • See sample invoices here.

    The three examples included in the PDF are:

    1. Manifest Invoice – Generator Variant (aggregate fees for multiple manifests over a month; includes a facility-level breakdown) 
    2. Manifest Invoice – AGD Variant (aggregate fees for multiple manifests over a month; includes a company- and facility-level breakdown) 
    3. On-site Waste Activity Invoice (fees for a single on-site waste activity) 

    Manifest invoices

    • Issued on the first day of each month and will include all manifests completed in the previous month. For example, an invoice issued on February 1 will include completed manifests from January 1-31.
    • The primary and accounts payable (AP) user of the account will receive an email notification when a manifest invoice is issued. All users except drivers or manifest-only users can access and pay invoices from the Registry homepage.
    • While the manifest invoice provides a total fee for each facility, users can see the fee per individual manifest in two ways:
      • From the “Invoices & Payments” tab under Manifests with Fees   
      • From the “Manifests” tab, by navigating to the Closed Manifests section and opening the manifest
    • Note: uses can export to excel fee-related details for manifests that have been invoiced. 

    On-site waste activity invoices  

    • Issued when the user completes an on-site waste activity report and submits their payment information.
    • The primary, accounts payable (AP), and the user who paid for the activity will receive an email notification with payment confirmation.
    • All users except drivers or manifest-only users will be able to view paid on-site waste activity invoices from the Registry homepage. 

    See FAQ: What payment methods are available?
    See FAQ: What is an accounts payable (AP) user and what can they do in the registry? 

  • The HWP Registry is unable to accept partial payments for invoices issued to an account. Monthly invoices will include the applicable fees for all manifests completed during the previous month and will break fees down by facility. Consider an internal business process to bill back each facility as required.

    See FAQ: Can we set up separate invoices for each facility within one account? 
    See FAQ: What information is included on an invoice for HWP Registry fees?

  • A newspaper producer is a person who supplies newspapers to consumers in Ontario. For the purpose of the Blue Box Regulation, newspapers include broadsheet, tabloid or free newspaper. For further information, see the FAQ: What is a newspaper?

    Note that a producer of supplemental advertisements or flyers that are supplied with a newspaper would not be considered a newspaper producer as they do not supply the actual broadsheet, tabloid, or free newspaper. This producer cannot use the newspaper exemption percentage to be exempt from Blue Box collection and management requirements. See the FAQ: Are there exemptions for Blue Box producers?

  • Registrants may request that a Deputy Registrar review a Compliance Order issued to them by an inspector. The request must be made, in writing, by the registrant to a Deputy Registrar within seven days of being served with the order. The request must include:

    • The parts of the order that the request for review pertains to;
    • Any submissions the person requesting the review wants considered; and
    • An address (physical or electronic) where the person can be served with the Deputy Registrar’s decision.

    A Deputy Registrar will then review the order and can revoke, confirm, or amend the inspector’s order.

    Deputy Registrars must either issue their decision or provide notice that more time is needed within seven days of receiving the request. If a Deputy Registrar provides notice that more time is needed, they must stay (put on hold) the order while it is under review, and the Deputy Registrar must issue their decision within 90 days.

    If a Deputy Registrar does not issue a decision or provide notice that more time is needed within seven days of receiving the request for review, the order will remain as originally issued.

    Note: This FAQ is for general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Please review the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 and associated regulations for details.

    See the FAQ: ‘Can I appeal a Compliance Order issued to me?’ for information on appealing a compliance order.

  • Registrants who receive a Notice of Intention to issue an Administrative Penalty Order may request that the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar consider additional information before they decide to issue the order. A registrant may ask the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar to review:

    • Additional information related to the contravention;
    • Any information relevant to the determination of the penalty amount; or
    • Any actions you have taken to remedy the contravention since it occurred.

    The request must be made to the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar, in writing, within 21 days of the notice of intention being served on the registrant. All additional information and supporting documentation that the registrant would like the Registrar or Deputy Registrar to consider should be included in the request.

    The Registrar or Deputy Registrar must then consider the information in the request and determine whether or not to issue an order. If the Registrar or Deputy Registrar decides not to issue the order, they must notify the registrant of this decision.

    See RPRA’s Administrative Penalties Guideline for further information or the FAQ: ‘Can I appeal an Administrative Penalty Order issued to me?’ for information on appealing an administrative penalty order.

    Note: This FAQ is for general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Please review the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 and associated regulations for details.

  • Follow the steps below to add an AP user to an existing account:

    1. Log in to the Registry account.
    2. Go to the Manage Users
    3. Click on the Set Account Payable User
    4. Fill in the required details (e.g., name, contact info, etc.).
    5. Complete the Programs & User Access Levels section
    6. Check the box: ✅I hereby authorize this user to create/modify data. This confirms the AP user can modify data across all programs.
    7. Click Save

    Note: The new AP user will receive an email invitation to create their password and gain access to the Registry account.

    See FAQ: What is the difference between an account admin, a primary, secondary, driver, accounts payable (AP), and manifest-only user in the HWP Registry?

    See FAQ: What is the difference between an account admin, a primary, secondary and accounts payable (AP) user in the registry?

    How to change an existing AP user:

    1. Log in to the Registry account.
    2. Navigate to the Manage Users
    3. Click on the Change Accounts Payable User button.
    4. To select an existing Registry user, type their name or email address in the search field
    5. Check the box: ✅ I hereby authorize this user to create/modify data. This confirms the AP User can modify data across all programs.
    6. Click
    7. To add a new user, click on “Add New User”
    8. Fill in the required details (e.g., name, contact info, etc.).
    9. Complete the “Programs & User Access Levels” section.
    10. Check the box: ✅✅ “I hereby authorize this user to create/modify data.” This confirms the AP user can modify data across all program.
    11. Click Save
  • A producer’s management requirement is how much Blue Box material they must ensure is collected and processed into recovered resources each year. Management requirements are calculated based on what they supplied into Ontario one year prior and the resource recovery percentage as set in the regulation. A producer’s management requirement is calculated separately for each Blue Box material category (beverage container, glass, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, metal and paper).

    Some producers are exempt from having a management requirement based on their supply data, for more information on exemptions see the FAQ Are there exemptions for Blue Box producers? If a producer does not have a management requirement they do not have any collection, management or promotion and education obligations.

    A producer with a management requirement must also provide collection and promotion and education services in Ontario. Most producers will contract the services of a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to meet their collection, management and promotion and education obligations.

    To view your management requirement(s), log into your registry account, download a copy of your Blue Box Supply Report and review the section with your minimum management requirements. Management requirements for a given year are determined by supply data from two years prior. For example, 2026 management requirements were based on 2024 supply data (submitted in producers’ 2025 Supply Report).

    Unsure if you are a Blue Box producer? See our FAQs Am I a producer of Blue Box product packaging? And Am I a producer of paper products and packaging-like products?

  • When paying fees to RPRA, you can select from one of the following payment methods:

    • Direct debit (also known as bank withdrawal)
    • Credit card
    • Electronic data interchange (EDI; also commonly known as ACH or EFT)
    • Electronic bill payment
    • Cheque

    For instructions on how to submit payment by the method you chose, read one of the following FAQs:

    Please note:

    • Invoices are due on receipt.
    • Invoices are in CAD fund and payments must be sent in CAD.
  • Each year, large tire producers are required to submit a supply data verification report in accordance with the Tires Registry Procedure – Audit. Small producers are not required to submit a verification report but will be subject to inspections.  

    See our FAQ: For annual supply reporting verification, how do I know if I am a small or large tire producer?

  • Effective for the 2025 calendar year, and every year thereafter, producers no longer have collection targets and do not have to collect a minimum weight of used tires.

    A producer’s individual management requirement is determined by formulas found in section 12 of the Regulation. See the tables below for details:

    Management requirements for all tires

    Performance YearSupply Report YearFormula
    *20252024[(2020 supply + 2021 supply + 2022 supply) / 3)]×65%
    20262025[(2021 supply + 2022 supply + 2023 supply) / 3)]×65%
    20272026[(2022 supply + 2023 supply + 2024 supply) / 3)]×65%
    20282027[(2023 supply + 2024 supply + 2025 supply) / 3)]×65%
    20292028[(2024 supply + 2025 supply + 2026 supply) / 3)]×65%
    20302029[(2025 supply + 2026 supply + 2027 supply) / 3)]×70%

    Management requirements for large tires

    Performance YearSupply Report YearFormula
    *20252024[(2020 supply + 2021 supply + 2022 supply) / 3)]×60%
    20262025[(2021 supply + 2022 supply + 2023 supply) / 3)]×60%
    20272026[(2022 supply + 2023 supply + 2024 supply) / 3)]×60%
    20282027[(2023 supply + 2024 supply + 2025 supply) / 3)]×60%
    20292028[(2024 supply + 2025 supply + 2026 supply) / 3)]×60%
    20302029[(2025 supply + 2026 supply + 2027 supply) / 3)]×60%

    It is important to note that producers must ensure that all collected tires are managed, regardless of what their minimum management requirement is.

    Note: Producers with a management requirement below a certain threshold may be exempt from registering with and reporting to RPRA.

    See our FAQ ‘How do I determine if I am an exempt tire producer?’ to learn more.

  • A producer responsibility organization (PRO) is a person retained by a producer for the purpose of carrying out one or more of the following producer regulatory responsibilities:

    • Arranging for the establishment or operation of collection or management systems
    • Establishing or operating a collection or management system
    • Preparing and submitting reports

    In addition, under the Hazardous and Special Products regulation, a PRO includes a person retained by a producer for the purpose of:

    • Implementing a promotion and education program

    PROs operate in a competitive market, and producers can choose the PRO (or PROs) they want to work with. The terms and conditions of each contract with a PRO may vary.

    How do I find a PRO?

    Here are the lists of registered PROs:

    These lists will continue to be updated as new PROs register with RPRA.

    See our FAQ What is the difference between a PRO and a prospective PRO?

  • Each year, large battery producers are required to submit a supply data verification report in accordance with the Batteries Registry Procedure – Verification and Audit. Small producers are not required to submit a verification report but will be subject to inspections. 

    See our FAQ: For annual supply reporting verification, how do I know if I am a small or large battery producer?

  • Producer supply data is used to calculate their individual minimum management requirements under the Batteries Regulation.

    To learn how calculations are formulated, visit the FAQ How are battery producer minimum management requirements determined?

  • A producer’s individual management requirement is determined by formulas found in section 13 of the Regulation. See the table below for details:

    Supply Report Year for Primary BatteriesSupply Report Year for Rechargeable BatteriesFormulaPerformance Year
    20232022[(2023+2022+2021)/3] + (2022+2021+2020)/3] × 45%2025*
    20242023[(2024+2023+2022)/3] + (2023+2022+2021)/3] × 50%2026
    20252024[(2025+2024+2023)/3] + (2024+2023+2022)/3] × 50%2027
    20262025[(2026+2025+2024)/3] + (2025+2024+2023)/3] × 50%2028

    *For reports submitted in 2024, producers should use RPRA’s manual calculator.

    It is important to note that producers must ensure that all collected batteries are managed, regardless of what their minimum management requirement is.

    Note: Producers with a management requirement below a certain threshold may be exempt from registering with and reporting to RPRA.

    See our FAQ ‘How do I determine if I am an exempt battery producer?’ to learn more.

  • A battery producer qualifies for an exemption if their average weight of supply for that calendar year is:

    • Less than or equal to 2,500 kg of rechargeable batteries, or
    • Less than or equal to 5,000 kg of primary batteries.

    Average supply weight is determined using the following formula:

    Average weight of rechargeable batteries = (Y3 + Y4 + Y5) / 3

    • Eg. 2025 average weight of supply = (2022 + 2021 + 2020) / 3

    Average weight of primary batteries = (Y2 + Y3 + Y4) / 3

    • Eg. 2025 average weight of supply = (2023 + 2022 + 2021) / 3

    Battery producers that meet the exemption criteria are exempt from:

    • Registering and reporting to RPRA.
    • Establishing a collection and management system.
    • Meeting management requirements.
    • Promotion and education requirements.

    Producers must verify that they continue to meet the exemption annually, since their average weight of supply will change from year to year.

    Exempt producers must keep records related to the weight of batteries (by category) supplied into Ontario each year and provide them to RPRA upon request.

    Producers are advised to confirm their exemption with the Compliance Team at 833-600-0530 or [email protected].

    Also see our FAQ: ‘How are battery producers’ minimum management requirements determined?‘

  • Each year, large ITT/AV producers are required to submit a supply data verification report in accordance with the EEE Verification and Audit Procedure. Small producers are not required to submit a verification report but will be subject to inspections.  

    See our FAQ: For annual supply reporting verification, how do I know if I am a small or large ITT/AV producer?

  • Producer supply data is used to calculate their individual minimum management requirements under the EEE Regulation.

    To learn how calculations are formulated, visit the FAQ How are ITT/AV producer minimum management requirements determined?

  • A producer’s individual management requirements are determined by formulas found in section 14 of the Regulation, summarized in the table below:

    Performance YearSupply Report YearFormula
    20252024(2020 supply + 2021 supply + 2022 supply) / 3×65%*
    20262025(2021 supply + 2022 supply + 2023 supply) / 3×65%
    20272026(2022 supply + 2023 supply + 2024 supply) / 3×65%
    20282027(2023 supply + 2024 supply + 2025 supply) / 3×65%
    20292028(2024 supply + 2025 supply + 2026 supply) / 3×65%
    20302029(2025 supply + 2026 supply + 2027 supply) / 3×70%

    *For reports submitted in 2024, producers should use RPRA’s manual calculator

    It is important to note that producers must ensure that all ITT/AV collected is managed regardless of what their minimum management requirement is.

    Note: Producers with a management requirement below a certain threshold may be exempt from registering with and reporting to RPRA. See our FAQ ‘How do I determine if I am an exempt ITT/AV producer?’ to learn more.

  • You may have obligations as an ITT/AV producer. To determine if you are a producer, see the FAQ Am I an ITT/AV producer?

    If you are not a producer, then under the EEE Regulation you are not required to report supply data to RPRA or anyone else.

  • See our FAQ to understand “What is blue box product packaging?”.

    Product packaging added to a product can be added at any stage of the production, distribution and supply of the product. A person adds packaging to a product if they:

    • make the packaging available for another person to add the packaging to the product
    • cause another person to add the packaging to a product
    • combine the product and the packaging

    For the portion of the product packaging that a brand holder added to the product, a person is considered a producer:

    • if they are the brand holder of the product and are resident in Canada
    • if no resident brand holder, they are resident in Ontario and import the product from outside of Ontario
    • if no resident importer, they are the retailer that supplied the product directly to consumers in Ontario
    • if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer
    • if the producer is a business that is a franchise, the franchisor is the obligated producer, if that franchisor has franchisees that are resident in Ontario

    For the portion of the product packaging that an importer of the product into Ontario added to the product, a person is considered a producer:

    • if they are resident in Ontario and import the product from outside of Ontario
    • if no resident importer, they are the retailer that supplied the product directly to consumers in Ontario
    • if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer
    • if the producer is a business that is a franchise, the franchisor is the obligated producer, if that franchisor has franchisees that are resident in Ontario

    For any portion of the packaging that is not described above, the producer is the retailer who supplied the product to consumers in Ontario.

     

    Producer hierarchy - Blue box packaging

  • See our FAQs to understand “What are paper products?” and “What are packaging-like products?”.

    For paper products and packaging-like products, a person is considered a producer:

    • if they are the brand holder of the paper product or packaging-like product and are resident in Canada
    • if no resident brand holder, they are resident in Ontario and import the paper product or packaging-like product from outside of Ontario
    • if no resident importer, they are the retailer that supplied the paper product or packaging-like product directly to consumers in Ontario
    • if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer
    • if the producer is a business that is a franchise, the franchisor is the obligated producer, if that franchisor has franchisees that are resident in Ontario

     

    Producer hierarchies - paper products and packaging-like products

  • Blue Box materials supplied to the IC&I sector are not obligated, therefore, deductions are available for materials supplied to a consumer in an IC&I setting.

    Blue Box producers may deduct materials that are collected from a business or institution where producers are not required to provide Blue Box collection services. Examples include:

    • Offices
    • Stores and shopping malls
    • Restaurants
    • Hotels
    • Hospitals
    • Community centres
    • Places of worship
    • Recreation facilities
    • Sports and entertainment venues
    • Universities and colleges
    • Manufacturing facilities
    • Golf courses
    • Cemeteries
    • Amusement parks

    Producers are responsible for material collected from eligible sources in the producer run Common Collection System, Alternative or Supplemental Collections Systems. Material from these categories is not allowed to be deducted:

    • Material that is collected from a residence through a curbside or depot collection service.
    • Material that is generated at a facility (including multi-residential buildings, retirement homes, long-term care homes and schools).
    • Material that is collected from a public space (including an outdoor area in a park, playground or sidewalk, or a public transit station).
    • Material collected under an alternative or supplemental collection system.

    Please see the Reporting Guidance Ineligible Source Deductions for the 2026 Blue Box Supply Report for more information on how to determine and use these deductions.

    Also see our FAQs: ‘What deductions are available to producers under the Blue Box Regulation?’, ‘Who is a consumer under the Blue Box Regulation’

  • Under the Blue Box Regulation, there are three types of exemptions that apply to producers:

    1. Based on a producer’s gross annual revenue,
    2. based on the weight of Blue Box materials supplied into Ontario, and
    3. for producers of newspaper

    1. Any producer whose gross annual Ontario revenue from products and services is less than $2,000,000 is exempt from all producer requirements under the regulation. In the case where the producer is a franchisor, it is the gross annual revenue of the system that is used to determine if an exemption applies.

    Any producer who meets the exemption must keep any records that demonstrate its gross annual Ontario revenue is less than $2,000,000 in a paper or electronic format that can be examined or accessed in Ontario for a period of five years from the date of creation.

    See our FAQs to understand what revenues municipalities and registered charities should consider when determining whether or not they are an exempt producer.

    2. A producer who is above the revenue-based exemption level may still be exempt from performance requirements (collection, management and promotion and education) if their supply weight is below the exemption levels outlined in the table below.

    If a producer’s annual revenue is more than $2,000,000 and supply weight in all material categories is less than the tonnage exemption threshold, the producer is required to register and report.

    If a producer’s annual revenue is more than $2,000,000 and supply weight in at least one material category is above the tonnage exemption threshold, the producer is required to meet all obligations (registration, reporting, collection, management, and promotion and education). However, producers are only required to meet their minimum management requirement in material categories where they are above the exemption level.

    3. As outlined in the amended Blue Box Regulation (released April 19, 2022), producers of newspapers may be exempt from collection, management, and promotion and education requirements. For the purposes of this exemption, “newspapers” includes newspapers and any protective wrapping and any supplemental advertisements and inserts that are provided along with the newspapers.

    For a producer to qualify for this exemption, newspapers must account for more than 70% of their total weight of Blue Box materials supplied to consumers in Ontario in a calendar year. If exempt, the producer is not required to meet collection, management, and promotion and education requirements for all Blue Box materials they supply in Ontario in the following two calendar years.

    A producer whose newspaper supply accounts for 70% or less of their total weight of Blue Box materials is subject to collection, management, and promotion and education requirements for all Blue Box materials they supply in Ontario.

  • Producers are required to provide the following information when registering with RPRA:

    • Contact information
    • PRO information (if a PRO has been retained at time of reporting), including what services they have retained a PRO for
    • Their supply data from the previous calendar year in each of the seven material categories – beverage container, glass material, flexible plastic, metal material, paper material, and certified compostable products and packaging material – as well as any deductions.

    Please note that this information must be submitted to RPRA directly.

    See our FAQ to understand “What deductions are available to producers under the Blue Box Regulation?”

     

  • You are a hazardous and special products (HSP) producer if you market antifreeze and oil filters (excluding those provided in new vehicles, for which a separate hierarchy applies as outlined below), oil containers, solvents, paints and coatings, pesticides, fertilizers, pressurized containers or refillable propane containers to consumers in Ontario and:

    • You are the brand holder and have residency in Canada;
    • If there is no resident brand holder, you have residency in Ontario and import from outside of Ontario;
    • If there is no resident importer, you have residency in Ontario and market directly to consumers in Ontario (e.g., online sales); or
    • If there is no resident marketer, you do not have residency in Ontario and market directly to consumers in Ontario (e.g., online sales).

    You are a hazardous and special products (HSP) producer if you market oil filters and antifreeze provided in new vehicles into Ontario and:

    • You are the manufacturer of the new vehicle and have residency in Canada;
    • If there is no resident vehicle manufacturer, you have residency in Ontario and import the vehicle from outside of Ontario;
    • If there is no resident importer, you have residency in Ontario and market the vehicle directly to consumers in Ontario; or
    • If there is no resident marketer, you do not have residency in Ontario and market the vehicle directly to consumers in Ontario.

    You are a hazardous and special products (HSP) producer if you market mercury-containing barometers, thermometers or thermostats into Ontario and:

    • You are the brand holder and have residency in Canada; or
    • You are the brand holder of barometers, thermometers or thermostats marketed to consumers in Ontario that do not contain mercury

    You are a hazardous and special products (HSP) producer if you market fertilizers into Ontario and:

    • You are the brand holder and have residency in Canada

    Even if you do not meet the above definitions, there may be circumstances where you qualify as a producer. Read the Hazardous and Special Products Regulation for more details or contact the Compliance Team for guidance at [email protected] or toll-free at 1- (833) 600-0530.

    Related FAQs: 

  • Starting in 2022, producers are required to report their supply data annually to RPRA.

    Each year, producers will need to provide the previous years’ supply data in each of the seven material categories – beverage container, glass material, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, metal material, paper material, and certified compostable products and packaging material – as well as any deductions.

    See our FAQ to understand “What deductions are available to producers under the Blue Box Regulation?”

     

  • There are exemptions under the HSP Regulation for category A and B producers. If an HSP producer meets the exemption threshold for a material type, they are not required to establish a collection system, manage those materials or implement a promotion and education program.

    Producers of refillable pressurized containers that meet the exemption threshold are still required to provide a call-in collection service.

    An HSP producer qualifies for an exemption if their average weight of supply for the previous calendar year is less than or equal to the weight (in tonnes) specified in the chart below:

    Type of HSPExempt (Less than <)
    Oil Filters3.5
    Non-refillable Pressurized Containers3
    Antifreeze20
    Oil Containers2
    Solvents3
    Paints and Coatings10
    Pesticides1
    Refillable Pressurized Containers8
    Mercury-containing DevicesN/A
    Fertilizers
    Propane Containers (refillable)

    Producers must verify that they continue to meet the exemption annually, since their average weight of supply will change from year to year.

    See our FAQ “Am I a small, large, or exempt HSP producer?” to determine how to calculate if you are an exempt HSP producer.

    HSP producers that meet the exemption criteria are exempt from:

    • Registering and reporting to RPRA
    • Establishing a collection and management system
    • Meeting a management requirement
    • Promotion and education requirements

    Exempt producers must keep records related to the weight of HSP supplied into Ontario each year and provide them to RPRA upon request.

    Producers are advised to confirm their exemption with the Compliance and Registry Team at 1-833-600-0530 or [email protected].

  • HSP producers that meet the exemption criteria are exempt from certain requirements under the HSP regulation. See our FAQ: How do I determine if I am an exempt HSP producer?.

    Producers can reference the chart below to determine if they are a small, large or exempt HSP producer.

    Producer categories use the average weight of material (in tonnes) supplied in Ontario in the previous calendar year.

    Type of HSPExempt (Less than <)Small Producer Large Producer (Equal to or greater than >)
    Oil Filters3.5⟷100
    Non-refillable Pressurized Containers3⟷100
    Antifreeze20⟷300
    Oil Containers2⟷55
    Solvents3⟷70
    Paints and Coatings10⟷1,000
    Pesticides1⟷9
    Refillable Pressurized Containers8N/AN/A
    Mercury-containing DevicesN/A
    Fertilizers
    Propane Containers (refillable)

    Note that ‘⟷’ indicates a value greater than ‘Exempt’ but less than ‘Large Producer’ threshold.

    Average supply weight is determined using the following formula:

    Average weight of HSP supply = (Y1 + Y2 + Y3) / 3 

    E.g. 2025 average weight of supply = (2024 + 2023 + 2022) / 3

  • Producers are required to establish and operate a collection system that meets the accessibility requirements in the regulation. Producers must ensure that all HSP collected is managed regardless of what their minimum management requirements are.

    For producers to meet their obligations, they have the choice of establishing and operating their own collection and management system or working with one or more producer responsibility organizations (PROs) that are registered with RPRA.
    Large producers have an additional requirement to provide call-in collection services. Learn more.

    Please contact the Compliance Team at 1-833-600-0530 or [email protected] to discuss other requirements under the HSP Regulation.

    See our FAQ to understand “Am I a small, large or exempt HSP producer?“. For more guidance, read the Hazardous and Special Products Collection Systems Compliance Bulletin.

  • There have been some key changes to the producer hierarchies under the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) program to those under the HSP Regulation. This may affect what a producer is obligated for and should be considered if using previously reported data.

    Hierarchy change for producers in all categories (excluding those provided in new vehicles, for which a separate hierarchy applies):

    • Brand holders that are resident in Canada are obligated (previously was resident in Ontario)

    Hierarchy change for producers of antifreeze and oil filters supplied in new vehicles:

    • Vehicle brand holders that are resident in Canada, importers and marketers are obligated

    Hierarchy change for producers of oil filters, oil containers, antifreeze, pesticides, non-refillable pressurized containers, refillable pressurized containers, solvents, paints or coatings:

    • Producer hierarchy’s introduction of marketers with or without residency in Ontario

    See our FAQ to understand “Am I an HSP Producer?”

  • The following materials include the product’s primary packaging:

    • Antifreeze
    • Paints and coatings
    • Pesticides
    • Solvents

    Note: This does not include primary packaging made of corrugated and boxboard boxes, plastic film, shrink wrap or printed materials.

    Oil containers, solvents, paints and coatings, fertilizers and pesticides continue to only be obligated when supplied in a container that has a capacity is less than 30 litres or 30 kilograms.

    All antifreeze supplied – regardless of container size – must be reported. However, the antifreeze container is only obligated when supplied in a container that has a capacity that is less than 30 litres or 30 kilograms.

    See our FAQ to understand “Are containers that are obligated under the Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) Regulation obligated as Blue Box materials?”

  • You are a Blue Box processor if you process Blue Box material that was supplied to a consumer in Ontario for the purposes of resource recovery.

    For the purpose of resource recovery, processing includes, and is not limited to:

    • Sorting
    • Baling
    • Paper and cardboard shredding
    • Plastic reprocessing, which includes grinding, washing, pelletizing, compounding, etc.
    • Crushed glass reprocessing
    • Aluminum and steel reprocessing

    See our FAQs to understand “Who is a consumer under the Blue Box Regulation”.

  • Under the Batteries, EEE, HSP, and Tire Regulations, a consumer is any end user of a product. A consumer includes an individual who obtains the product for the individual’s own use and a business that obtains the product for the business’s own use.

    See our FAQ to understand “Who is a consumer under the Blue Box Regulation?”

  • Free riders are obligated parties that:

    • Have not registered or reported to RPRA
    • Have not established a collection and management system (if they are so required to), or;
    • Are not operating a collection and management system (if they are so required to).

    See our FAQs to understand “What is RPRA’s approach to free riders?”, and “What do I do if I think a business is a free rider?”

    To note:

    • Some producers only have requirements to register and report. Please refer to your specific program page on our website to understand producer obligations.
    • Collection and management systems may be accomplished by a producer responsibility organization (PRO) on behalf of a producer through contractual arrangements between the producer and PRO. If a PRO is managing a producer’s collection and management requirements, producers must identify that PRO to RPRA.
  • RPRA takes a risk-based and proportional approach to compliance. This approach focuses on the potential risks that arise from non-compliance and assessing those risks to guide the use of compliance tools and the deployment of resources to minimize risk and maximize compliance. Learn more about RPRA’s Risk-Based Compliance Framework.

    As a provincial regulator, we have the following powers to bring non-compliant parties into compliance:

    • Broad inquiry powers including authority to compel documents and data
    • Inspections and investigations
    • Audits
    • Compliance Orders and Administrative Penalty Orders (amounts to be set in regulation once finalized)
    • Prosecution

    RPRA’s primary approach to compliance is through communications (C4C – Communicating for Compliance). RPRA communicates directly with obligated parties and informs them of their requirements and when and how they must be completed. A high degree of compliance is achieved with this approach.

    RPRA considers free riders a high priority to the programs we administer and focuses compliance efforts on bringing free riders into compliance with the regulations.

    See our FAQ to understand “What is a free rider?”, and “What do I do if I think a business is a free rider?”

  • We encourage anybody who believes an entity is a free rider to contact RPRA’s Compliance and Registry Team at 1-833-600-0530 or by emailing [email protected] with information about that entity. RPRA reviews every free rider allegation that is referred to us.

    We do not share information about our inspections or progress on specific free rider cases.

    See our FAQ to understand “What is a free rider?” and “What is RPRA’s approach to free riders?”

  • HWIN pre-paid balances have not been transferred to the HWP Registry. The regulated community no longer has access to HWIN to manage their accounts and pay fees associated with activities from 2022 or earlier.

    If necessary, the ministry will contact generators to address balances remaining in HWIN pre-paid accounts from 2022. The Ministry can be contacted at [email protected]

    Read RPRA HWP Registry Fees Schedule

    See FAQ: Will I pay my fees using a prepaid account like in HWIN?

  • The amended Regulation 347: General – Waste Management clarifies that generators can delegate a service provider to submit information to the registry on the generator’s behalf. We call this kind of service provider an “authorized generator delegate” or an “AGD”.

    If you choose the AGD role in RPRA’s HWP registry, you must have a written delegation agreement with the generator that appointed you their delegate.

    Requirements for written authorizations to delegate, are set out in section 7.2 Delegating Registration and Reporting (section 27.2 of Regulation 347) of the ministry’s revised “Registration Guidance Manual for Generators of Liquid Industrial and Hazardous Waste”.

    See FAQ: What is the difference between partial and full delegation?

     

     

  • Yes. Registry fees cover RPRA’s costs to build, deploy and maintain the Registry, and to provide ongoing support to Registry users. As an administrative authority of the Government of Ontario, RPRA does not receive any government funding and recovers its costs through fees charged to regulated parties. The Registry fees are unrelated to the fees your service provider may charge for managing your waste and for reporting on your behalf.

    See FAQ: When will I have to pay HWP Registry Fees ?

  • Fees are tied to the activities that generators report on or that are reported on their behalf by authorized generator delegates (AGDs) (e.g., manifests and on-site storage, processing and disposal). Fees will be invoiced on the first day of each month and will include all manifests completed in the previous month.

    See FAQ: Will I pay my fees using a prepaid account like HWIN?

  • No, there is no fee to create an account in the HWP Registry. Fees will be tied to the activities that generators report on or that are reported on their behalf (e.g., manifests and on-site storage, processing and disposal).

    View the 2025 HWP Registry Fees Schedule

    See FAQ: When will I have to pay fees?

  • A newspaper is a regularly (usually daily or weekly) printed document consisting of large, folded, stapled or unstapled, sheets of paper containing news reports, articles, photographs, and advertisements. Newspapers include broadsheet, tabloid, and free newspaper categories.

    Newspapers have traditionally been published in print on low-grade paper known as newsprint. However, not all documents printed on newsprint are considered newspapers. For example, flyers printed on newsprint quality paper supplied separately from newspapers are not newspapers for the purpose of supply data reporting under the Blue Box Regulation.

    For the purpose of supply reporting, newspapers include any supplemental advertisements and inserts that are provided with/inserted in them (e.g., a flyer or circular that is placed within the folds of a newspaper). Inserts may be composed of any material including, but not limited to, paper. See the FAQ: How do newspaper producers report their supply of newspapers?

    Note that magazines are not considered newspapers; a magazine is a periodical publication containing articles and illustrations, typically covering a particular subject or area of interest, and printed on high-quality paper.

  • For the purpose of reporting annual supply data under the Blue Box Regulation, the weight of newspaper must be reported in the appropriate material categories. For example, newsprint must be reported in the ‘paper’ category, while any protective plastic wrapping must be reported as ‘flexible plastic’.

    Then, producers will be asked to indicate what percentage of their total Blue Box material supply was newspaper, including any protective wrapping and supplemental advertisements and inserts, in that calendar year.

    See our FAQs: “What is a newspaper?” and “Who is a newspaper producer?”

  • A person is considered a lighting producer under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Regulation if they supply lighting into Ontario and one of the following apply:

    • Are the brand holder for the lighting and have residency in Canada;
    • If there is no resident brand holder, have residency in Ontario and import lighting from outside of Ontario;
    • If there is no resident importer, have residency in Ontario and market directly to consumers in Ontario (e.g. online sales); or
    • If there is no resident marketer, do not have residency in Ontario and market directly to consumers in Ontario (e.g., online sales).

    Even if you do not meet the above definition, there may be circumstances where you qualify as a producer. Read the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation for more detail or contact the Compliance and Registry Team for guidance at [email protected] or (647) 496-0530 or toll-free at (833) 600-0530.

    See our FAQ to understand “What is lighting under the EEE Regulation?”, “Who is a brand holder?”

  • No. If a facility is closed and/or will not be generating hazardous or liquid industrial waste in 2023 and beyond, you do not need to register the facilities in the HWP Registry.

    Also, data from inactive facilities in HWIN will not be migrated to the HWP Registry.

    See FAQ: Will HWIN users’ data be migrated to the HWP Registry?

  • If you are only providing auditing and training services, you are not considered an AGD under the regulation. However, a generator’s account administrator can add you as a user in the HWP Registry where you can access the registrant’s reporting information. This will support your audit, consulting, and training services. You would be an authorized generator delegate if you are doing reporting on the generator’s behalf under the regulation: registering facility or waste stream information or signing manifests as the generator. 

    See FAQ: what is delegation?  

  • Yes, beverage containers are eligible for this deduction starting in 2026.

    The allowable deduction is permitted for beverage containers that are collected from a business or institution where producers are not required to provide Blue Box collection services.

    See our FAQ to understand “What deductions are available to producers under the Blue Box Regulation?”

  • A lighting producer qualifies for an exemption if their average weight of supply for that calendar year is less than or equal to 700 kg.

    Average supply weight is determined using the following formula:

    Average weight of lighting supply = (Y3 + Y4 + Y5) / 3 

    Eg. 2025 average weight of supply = (2022 + 2021 + 2020) / 3 

    Lighting producers that meet the exemption criteria are exempt from:

    • Registering with and reporting to RPRA
    • Establishing a collection and management system
    • Meeting a management requirement
    • Promotion and education requirements

    Producers must verify that they continue to meet the exemption annually, since their average weight of supply will change from year to year.

    Producers that are exempt must keep records of the materials they supplied, as set out in section 30 of the regulation.

    Producers are advised to confirm their exemption with the Compliance Team at 833-600-0530 or [email protected].

    See our FAQs: “How are lighting producers’ minimum management requirements determined?” and “What do I have to do if I am an exempt lighting producer?”

  • An exempt producer is not required to:

    • Register and report to RPRA
    • Establish a collection and management system
    • Meet a management requirement
    • Meet promotion and education requirements

    Exempt producers must retain records related to the weight of lighting supplied into Ontario each year and provide them to RPRA upon request.

    See our FAQ: ‘How do I determine if I am an exempt lighting producer?’

  • A producer’s individual minimum management requirement is determined by the following formulas, found in section 14 of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Regulation, summarized in the following chart:

    Performance Year Supply Report Year Formula
    20252024(2020 supply + 2021 supply + 2022 supply) / 3×30%
    20262025(2021 supply + 2022 supply + 2023 supply) / 3×30%
    20272026(2022 supply + 2023 supply + 2024 supply) / 3×30%
    20282027(2023 supply + 2024 supply + 2025 supply) / 3×30%
    20292028(2024 supply + 2025 supply + 2026 supply)/ 3×30%
    20302029(2025 supply + 2026 supply + 2027 supply)/ 3×30%
    20312030(2026 supply + 2027 supply + 2028 supply)/ 3×35%

    It is important to note that producers must ensure that all lighting that is collected is managed, regardless of their minimum management requirement.

    Note: Producers with a management requirement below a certain threshold may be exempt from registering with and reporting to RPRA. See our FAQ ‘How do I determine if I am an exempt lighting producer?’ to learn more.

  • Paints, pesticides, solvents fertilizers obligated under the HSP Regulation along with their primary packaging must be accepted at collection sites collecting the corresponding material. For instance, empty paint cans and pesticide aerosols obligated under the HSP Regulation must be accepted at collection sites collecting paint and pesticides.

    See our FAQ to understand “Under the HSP Regulation, is the packaging of antifreeze, pesticides, solvents, paints and coatings obligated?” and “Are containers that are obligated under the HSP Regulation obligated as Blue Box materials?“

  • Yes, a Blue Box producer, or PRO (producer responsibility organization) on behalf of a producer, or a service provider on behalf of either party, can choose to offer collection services to any location. Blue Box producers are required to provide collection services to all eligible sources, as well as public spaces.

    Blue Box materials collected from locations that are not eligible sources cannot count towards meeting a producer’s management requirement unless they were supplied to a consumer in Ontario. See this FAQ: Who is a consumer under the Blue Box Regulation?

    If a person is co-collecting from locations that are eligible sources and not eligible sources, a person must use a methodology or process acceptable to the Authority to account for materials collected from each type of source. Anyone considering this can contact the Compliance Team to discuss at [email protected] or 833-600-0530.

    For example, if materials are collected from an eligible source and a location that is not an eligible source along the same collection route, they must be accounted for separately. When those materials are then sent to a processor, they must also be accounted for separately.

  • Yes, a Blue Box producer or PRO (producer responsibility organization) on behalf of a producer, or a service provider on behalf of either party, can voluntarily choose to collect Blue Box materials that are not marketed to consumers.

    Blue Box materials not marketed to consumers cannot be counted towards meeting a producer’s collection or management requirements under the Blue Box Regulation.

    If Blue Box materials that are marketed to consumers are co-collected with Blue Box materials not marketed to consumers, a person must use a methodology or process acceptable to the Authority to account for materials supplied to a consumer or not. Anyone considering this can contact the Compliance Team to discuss at [email protected] or 833-600-0530.

    For example, if Blue Box materials supplied to a consumer in Ontario are collected along the same collection route as Blue Box materials that were not supplied to a consumer, they must be accounted for separately. When those materials are then sent to a processor, they must also be accounted for separately.

    See the FAQ: Who is a consumer under the Blue Box Regulation?

  • For the purpose of reporting supply data under the Blue Box Regulation, the weight of newspaper, including any protective wrapping and supplemental advertisements and inserts, must be reported in the appropriate material categories. For example, newsprint must be reported in the ‘paper’ category, while any protective plastic wrapping must be reported as ‘flexible plastic’.

    Then, producers will be asked to indicate what percentage of their total Blue Box material supply was newspaper, including any protective wrapping and supplemental advertisements and inserts, in that calendar year.

    When reporting either their total supply or the percentage of their total supply that is newspaper, a producer should only include the weight of Blue Box materials for which they are the producer. For example, if flyers for which there is a different brand holder resident in Canada are supplied along with a newspaper and those flyers have a different brand holder resident in Canada, their weight should not be reported by the newspaper producer. Instead, it is the brand holder of those flyers who would be required to include the weight of those flyers in their own supply report.

    See our FAQ: “What is a newspaper?”

  • Public sector institutions, such as colleges and universities, are suppliers of Blue Box materials to consumers in Ontario. They supply Blue Box materials to consumers on-site (e.g., food service packaging, unprinted paper in photocopiers, etc.) and off-site (e.g., mailings).

    For the purposes of supply reporting, colleges, universities, and other public sector institutions must determine the total amount of Blue Box material they supply to consumers in Ontario. One way to gather this data is by canvassing internal departments to obtain annual weights of Blue Box materials supplied to consumers on-site and off-site.

    Also see:

  • Account admins can manage password resets for all active users in the account. Primary users are also able to manage password resets, but only for active users within the programs they are the primary user for. If secondary users require a password reset, they can reach out to the account admin or primary user to do so. 

    See FAQ: How can I reset a password in the registry? 

  • The account admin or primary user navigates to the program homepage of which the user requiring a password reset is enrolled in. The account admin or primary user then clicks their username at the top right of the page to show the drop-down list and selects Manage Users. 

    In the Active Users table, the account admin or primary user clicks Reset Password on the row for the user they want to reset the password for and clicks Confirm. 

    The user’s password has now been reset. They will receive an email with a password reset link. 

    Note: the password reset link will expire within 24 hours. If the link expires before the user creates a new password, the account admin or primary must click “Reset Password” again to restart the process. 

    See the FAQ: Who can reset passwords in the registry?  

  • Yes, the entire weight of reused tires can be counted towards a producer’s management target.

    See our FAQ: What does ‘reuse’ mean under the Tires Regulation?

  • No. Recycling drop-off locations displayed on the map cannot:​

    • charge the public a fee to drop off materials that the location accepts.​
    • refuse the drop-off of materials displayed on the map. However, recycling locations can request reasonable requirements when consumers drop off an item to ensure health and safety. For example, sites may require that used oil filters are dropped off in sealed containers, light tubes are taped together, etc.

    If you are charged a fee or refused drop off, you can report an issue about that specific location to RPRA (see our other FAQ for further instructions).

    Note: In October 2026, the Where to Recycle map moved from rpra.ca to OntarioRecycles.ca, RPRA’s website to keep the public informed about the circular economy and recycling in Ontario.

  • Registrants may appeal an Administrative Penalty Order issued to them to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The registrant must serve written notice of their intention to appeal to the OLT and to the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar within 15 days of being served the order. The order will be temporarily stayed (put on hold) until a decision is rendered by the tribunal. The notice must include:

    • The parts of the order that the appeal pertains to; and
    • The grounds on which the person appealing the order intends to rely at the hearing.

    The OLT will hold a hearing, and the OLT may confirm, vary, or revoke the order. The OLT cannot vary the amount of the penalty unless it considers the amount to be unreasonable.

    After a matter is decided by the OLT, the registrant or RPRA may appeal the OLT’s decision to the Divisional Court, but only on a question of law and with leave (permission) of the Divisional Court. If a party obtains leave, the appeal of the OLT decision will be heard by the Divisional Court. This process is governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure. The OLT’s decision is not automatically stayed by an appeal to the Divisional Court, but a stay may be granted by the OLT or the Court.

    See RPRA’s Administrative Penalties Guideline for further information.

    Note: This FAQ is for general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Please review the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 and associated regulations for details.

  • If a Compliance Order is issued to a registrant by the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar, or if the registrant receives a decision from a Deputy Registrar issued as a result of a Request for Review of an inspector’s order, the registrant can appeal the order to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The registrant must serve written notice of their intention to appeal to the Registrar or Deputy Registrar who made the order and to the OLT within 15 days of being served with the order. The notice must include:

    • The parts of the order that the appeal pertains to; and
    • The grounds on which the person appealing the order intends to rely at the hearing.

    The OLT will hold a hearing. The OLT may decide to confirm, vary, or revoke the order.

    After a matter is decided by the OLT, the registrant or RPRA may appeal the OLT’s decision to the Divisional Court, but only on a question of law and with leave (permission) of the Divisional Court. If a party obtains leave, the appeal of the OLT decision will be heard by the Divisional Court. This process is governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure. The OLT’s decision is not automatically stayed (put on hold) by an appeal to the Divisional Court, but a stay may be granted by the OLT or the Court.

    Note: This FAQ is for general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Please review the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 and associated regulations for details.

  • Each year, producers of categories A (oil filters and non-refillable pressurized containers) and B (oil containers, antifreeze, solvents, paints and coatings, and pesticides) that meet the definition of a ‘large producer’ are required to submit a supply data verification report in accordance with the HSP Verification and Audit Procedure. Small producers are not required to submit a verification report but will be subject to inspections.

    See our FAQ: As an HSP producer, am I required to submit an annual supply data verification report?

  • Where a municipality distributes documents on behalf of another brand holder, the municipality is not obligated to report the paper in its supply. That obligation falls to the brand holder.

    For example: A municipality may distribute documents issued by the provincial government (such as marriage licences and court documents) which are usually branded with the provincial agency or ministerial logos and names. In these cases, the provincial government would be the brand holder responsible for reporting these materials in their annual supply data report.

    Please see FAQ “Who is a brand holder?” for more information.

  • A public collection site must be readily accessible to the public and accept designated used materials during regular business hours. Publicly accessible collection sites and events appear on the Where to Recycle map. Note: In October 2026, the Where to Recycle map moved from rpra.ca to OntarioRecycles.ca, RPRA’s website to keep the public informed about the circular economy and recycling in Ontario.

    A private collection site (e.g. office or school that collects designated materials) does not need to be publicly accessible. Private collection sites do not appear on the map.

    Read this related FAQ: What does it mean for a collection site to be readily accessible to the public?

  • Yes, reusable bags made from Blue Box materials ( e.g. plastic, paper) and used as convenience packaging are obligated under the Blue Box Regulation and must be reported annually by producers in their supply report.

    Convenience packaging refers to material that is provided with a product for consumers to handle or transport that product, in addition to the product’s primary packaging. This includes items such as bags and boxes that are supplied to consumers at check out.

    For additional clarity:

    • Reusable bags made primarily from plastic, paper, or any other Blue Box material, or a combination of these materials, are obligated. Reusable bags made from textile fibres such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, etc., are not obligated.
    • Recycled content of the material has no impact on whether a reusable bag is obligated. For example, reusable bags containing post-consumer recycled plastic content are obligated.
    • A reusable bag is obligated regardless of whether it is supplied to the consumer for free or at a cost. Examples include bags supplied at checkout to consumers at retail locations.

    If you haven’t been reporting reusable bags as part of your annual supply data, please contact the Compliance Team immediately at [email protected].

    Also see our FAQ: ‘What do I do if I misreported my supply data?’

  • Readily accessible to the public means a site can be accessed by any consumer who wants to drop off used materials for free to be recycled, reused or refurbished.

    A public collection site cannot restrict the type of products accepted. For example, an electronics collection site cannot refuse to accept printers or large televisions. Retail stores are only required to accept materials of a similar size and function to the products supplied at that location. For example, a mobile phone kiosk may choose to accept only mobile phones.

    Collection sites can request reasonable requirements when consumers drop off an item to ensure health and safety. For example, sites may require that used oil filters are dropped off in sealed containers, light tubes are taped together, etc.

    Publicly accessible collection sites and events will appear on the Where to Recycle map. Note: In October 2026, the Where to Recycle map moved from rpra.ca to OntarioRecycles.ca, RPRA’s website to keep the public informed about the circular economy and recycling in Ontario.

    Restrictions

    If a collection site has restrictions, for example due to an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA), municipal by-law, or fire code provision, the restrictions may be applied, and the collection site will still be considered readily accessible to the public. For example, a municipal depot that has an ECA to accept materials only from residents of the community can apply this restriction and still be considered readily accessible to the public. Similarly, a collection site with an ECA that prohibits collection from the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors may apply these restrictions and still be considered readily accessible to the public. And a collection site that has restrictions on how it can be accessed (such as drive-in only) may enforce these restrictions and still be considered readily accessible to the public.

  • Users can add a credit card or direct debit as a saved payment method in the registry for easier payments and added convenience.

    See the steps below to add, change or remove a saved payment method.

    Add a saved payment method

    1. Log in to your registry account.
    2. Go to the Invoices & Payment tab.
    3. In the Saved payment method section, click Add payment method.
    4. Choose the payment method and click Next.
      • For credit card, enter your card information.
      • For direct debit, enter your banking information.
    5. Click Save.

    Change a saved payment method

    1. Log in to your registry account.
    2. Go to the Invoices & Payment tab.
    3. In the Saved payment method section, under Action, click Change.
    4. Choose the payment method, then click Next.
      • For credit card, enter your card information.
      • For direct debit, enter your banking information.
    5.  Click save.

    Remove a saved payment method

    To remove a saved payment method for Credit Card and Direct Debit, follow these steps:

    1. Log in to your registry account.
    2. Go to the Invoices & Payment tab.
    3. In the Saved payment method, under Action, click Remove.
    4. Choose one of the following:
      • Remove to delete payment method.
      • Remove and add new to replace it with another payment method.
    5. If you choose Remove and add new, follow these steps:
      1. For Credit Card, enter your card information.
      2. For Debit Card, enter your banking information.
    6.  Click Save.

    Note: Only generators and authorized generator delegates (AGD) in HWP can enrol in Manifest AutoPay.

    See FAQ: What is manifest AutoPay?

  • Users must designate an accounts payable (AP) user during account set up.

    To add an AP user during account set up, follow these steps:

    1. After adding the Business information and address, click Next.
    2. After entering the Account Admin information, scroll down.
    3. Enter the Account Payables User information.
    4. Check the box: ✅I hereby authorize this user to create/modify data. This confirms the AP User can modify data across all programs.
    5. Click Next

    If you want to assign the account admin as the AP user, check the box labeled:
    The Account Admin listed above is the Accounts Payable (AP) User.

    This will auto-fill the AP User section with the account admin’s information.

    See FAQ: 7. What is an accounts payable (AP) user and what can they do in the registry?

  • Manifest AutoPay is a feature in the registry that allows hazardous waste program (HWP) registrants to automatically pay their manifest invoices using a saved payment method (i.e. credit card or direct debit). This can help save registrants time and avoid potential late fees.

    Registrants enrolled in Manifest AutoPay will still receive an email at the start of each month when their invoice is available, noting that payment will be automatically withdrawn on the 15th of that month.

    See FAQ: How do I enrol in or cancel my enrolment in Manifest AutoPay?

  • Public and private schools (as defined under the Education Act) may be eligible to receive Blue Box collection service under the producer-run recycling system.

    Schools that previously received service from their host community under the legacy Blue Box program will be automatically included in Blue Box collection from their host community and do not need to take any additional action.

    Any school that was not previously serviced under the legacy Blue Box program may receive collection service beginning in 2031. These schools will have to register with RPRA. More information will be shared closer to this date.

    Also see our FAQ: Is my facility eligible to receive Blue Box collection services?

  • Not-for profit long-term care homes, not-for-profit retirement homes and Elders’ lodges may be eligible to receive Blue Box collection service under the producer-run recycling system.

    If these facilities previously received service from their host community under the legacy Blue Box program, they will be automatically included in Blue Box collection from their host community and do not need to take any additional action.

    A not-for profit long-term care home, not-for-profit retirement home or Elders’ lodge that was not previously serviced under the legacy Blue Box program may receive collection service beginning in 2031. These facilities will have to register with RPRA. More information will be shared closer to this date.

    Also see our FAQ: Is my facility eligible to receive Blue Box collection services?

  • If your mixed-used (commercial and residential) building is an eligible facility under the Blue Box Regulation, only the residential portion of the building will be eligible for collection services.

    Also see our FAQ: Is my facility eligible to receive Blue Box collection services?

  • To request a Blue Box receptable that is aligned with your accessibility needs, complete the Special Accommodation Recycling Service Application form available on the Circular Materials website.

    Also see our FAQ: ‘I have a physical disability that makes me unable to take my recycling container out to the curb. Is there assistance available for me?’

  • Under the producer-run system, residences are eligible for Blue Box collection. Residences are buildings with five or less residential units. Building developments with five or less units are considered residences and will also receive service from the producer-run system.

    Townhouses, stacked townhouses or row houses with six or more units may also be considered residences if one of the following applies:

    • each unit receives curbside garbage collection, or
    • the building uses a common collection point where residents drop off their waste and from which the local government collects garbage.

    Townhouses, stacked townhouses or row houses with six or more units that do not meet the criteria above are not eligible to receive Blue Box collection from the producer-run program until 2031, as these types of buildings are considered facilities. To learn more see our FAQ: “Is my facility eligible to receive Blue Box collection services?”

  • Yes, during the fee holiday, electronics (i.e. information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual (ITT/AV) equipment) producers are still required to submit their annual supply report by the deadline, but the associated fees will not apply.

    See FAQ: I’m an electronics producer. What is a fee holiday and why do I have one?

  • The fee holiday for electronics (i.e. information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual (ITT/AV) equipment) producers comes into effect in 2026 and will continue until the residual funds are depleted. RPRA will update producers prior to program fees for electronics coming back into effect.

    See FAQ: I’m an electronics producer. What is a fee holiday and why do I have one?

     

  • No, the fee holiday only applies to electronics (i.e. information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual (ITT/AV) equipment) producers.

    The fee holiday is funded through the $17.5 million in residual funds transferred to RPRA from the legacy recycling program for electronics. You can learn more about the transfer of funds here.

    See FAQ: I’m an electronics producer. What is a fee holiday and why do I have one?

  • Each year, large lighting producers are required to submit a supply data verification report in accordance with the EEE Verification and Audit Procedure. Small producers are not required to submit a verification report but will be subject to inspections. 

    See our FAQ: For annual supply reporting verification, how do I know if I am a small or large Iighting producer?

  • Producers of oil filters and non-refillable pressurized containers have individual management requirements which are determined by the formulas found in section 2 of the HSP Regulation multiplied by the number found in section 31 of the regulation.

    Oil filters

    A producer’s minimum management requirement is determined by the formulas summarized in the table below.

    Performance YearSupply Report YearFormula
    20252024[(2024+2023+2022)/3] × 85%
    20262025[(2025+2024+2023)/3] x 85%
    20272027[(2026+2025+2024)/3] x 85%
    20282027[(2027+2026+2025)/3] x 85%

    Non-refillable pressurized containers

    A producer’s minimum management requirement is determined by the formulas summarized below.

    Performance YearSupply Report YearFormula
    20252024[(2024+2023+2022)/3] × 30%
    20262025[(2025+2024+2023)/3] x 30%
    20272027[(2026+2025+2024)/3] x 30%
    20282027[(2027+2026+2025)/3] x 30%

    It is important to note that producers must ensure that all collected HSP are managed, regardless of what their minimum management requirement is.

    Note: Exempt producers are not required to meet minimum management requirements.

    See our FAQ “How do I determine if I am an exempt HSP producer?” to learn more.

  • Eligible facilities that were not serviced under the legacy Blue Box program can begin receiving Blue Box collection services through the producer-run program on the later of the following dates:

    • January 1, 2031
    • The date the facility officially registers under section 63 of the Blue Box Regulation

    For details on specific types of locations, see our FAQ: “What is an eligible facility under the Blue Box Regulation?”

  • If you are experiencing a temporary or permanent physical disability that prevents you from setting out your recycling bin or cart, you may qualify for assisted collection service.

    To apply for assistance, complete the Special Accommodation Recycling Service Application on Circular Materials’ website.

    Also see our FAQ: ‘I am a resident with a physical disability and the Blue Box receptacle is not appropriate for my needs. How do I request a receptacle aligned with my accessibility needs?’

  • RPRA’s Compliance and Enforcement Team is undertaking a risk-based review of 2026 Blue Box supply data submitted by producers. The following risk factors were considered when selecting producers for inspection:

    • Producers filing deductions: Supply report submissions containing material deductions, where larger deduction volumes or multiple submissions increase regulatory risk.
    • Producers claiming compostable exemptions: Supply report submissions claiming exemptions for compostable materials, particularly those involving large volumes or multiple filings.
    • Significant year-over-year variance: Producers displaying substantial unexplained changes in reported supply tonnage compared to previous years.
    • High-volume producers: Market participants representing significant overall quantities of system tonnage.
    • Inconsistent registration history: Producers who have not registered consistently every reporting year.

    This inspection process prioritizes data validation and evaluation of historical submissions. The process is meant to enhance reporting accuracy and, where required, enforce regulatory requirements to help ensure that all Blue Box producers are held to a consistently high standard of compliance.

    For more information, see our FAQ: What is the process for the 2026 Blue Box supply data inspection campaign?

  • RPRA’s Audit and Risk Team uses a three-stage risk-based framework to verify reporting accuracy, address data gaps, and enforce regulatory compliance.

    Whether or not a producer is required to go through all three stages will depend on the outcomes at each stage. Findings from the initial risk assessment will determine whether producers undergo a verification review; the results of the verification review will determine whether producers are subject to an audit.

    Details about each stage are outlined below:

    1. Risk assessment
      • Selected producers will be asked to complete and submit a Blue Box Supply Assessment Form by a set deadline. Failure to complete the form by the deadline will trigger escalating compliance enforcement actions.
      • If no further risks or data gaps are identified, additional outreach may not be required.
    2. Verification review
      • RPRA will commence a formal verification review if a producer’s data requires deeper verification.
      • An assigned Audit and Risk Officer (ARO) will manage the case and work directly with the producer.
      • Producers must supply AROs with all requested documentation, methodology details, and records necessary to validate reported supply data.
    3. Audit
      • Verification inspections that uncover multiple high-risk issues or unresolved inconsistencies will be escalated to a formal audit.
      • Producers will receive a formal audit notification letter alongside a list of required records.
      • Audits will include on-site visits by AROs to outline the scope of the audit work, review internal procedures, test source records, and evaluate end-to-end reporting controls.
      • Following the audit, RPRA will issue recommendations and conduct follow-up reviews to verify that requested corrective actions to internal processes and reporting adjustments have been completed.
      • Producers are reminded that failure to submit the required information at any stage in the inspection process may lead to enforcement action.

    For more information, see our FAQ: Why was I was selected for a verification inspection of my 2026 to be part of the Blue Box Inspection Campaign supply data?

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