Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ filtered results:

• Program: Blue Box

  Topic: Collection systems , Where to Recycle map

  Toggle the submenu Why can’t I find a location on the Where to Recycle map for recycling Blue Box materials (e.g., glass, plastic, metal or paper packaging)?

  Blue Box materials (i.e., products and packaging made of metal, glass, paper, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, and beverage containers) are typically collected directly from residences through the provincial Blue Box Program. RPRA’s Where to Recycle map displays public locations for recycling materials that don’t belong in your Blue Box (e.g., batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste, lighting and tires).

  For more information on recycling Blue Box materials, visit Circular Materials’ website. Circular Materials is the administrator of Ontario’s Blue Box collection system.

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• Program: Batteries , Hazardous and Special Products , ITT/AV , Lighting , Tires

  Topic: Collection systems , Where to Recycle map

  Toggle the submenu What is the purpose of RPRA’s Where to Recycle map?

  RPRA’s Where to Recycle map displays locations across Ontario where the public can drop off used materials to be recycled, such as batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste (e.g., paint, antifreeze, pesticides), lighting and tires, for free. Materials collected at these locations are reused, refurbished, recycled, or properly disposed of to help keep them out of landfill, recover valuable resources and protect our environment. Learn more here.

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• Program: Batteries , Hazardous and Special Products , ITT/AV , Lighting , Tires

  Topic: Collection systems , Where to Recycle map

  Toggle the submenu What materials are accepted for recycling at the locations on the Where to Recycle map?

  The Where to Recycle map displays locations that the public can drop off used materials to be recycled, such as batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste (e.g., paint, antifreeze, pesticides), lighting and tires, for free. For specific examples of materials accepted and important information to know before dropping off materials, visit the Where to Recycle map.

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• Program: Hazardous Waste

  Topic: Collection systems , Where to Recycle map

  Toggle the submenu Why are some materials not displayed on the Where to Recycle map and how can I recycle them? 

  This map provides locations for most materials captured under Ontario’s recycling programs, which are overseen by RPRA: batteries, electronics, household hazardous waste, lighting and tires. See below for more information on what to do with materials that aren’t displayed on the map. ​

  Household hazardous waste​

  Drop-off locations for some household hazardous waste, such as refillable propane containers, refillable pressurized containers, fertilizers and mercury-containing thermostats, thermometers and barometers, aren’t displayed on the map because they aren’t required (under the recycling program) to be reported to RPRA. ​

  However, there may be locations that accept these materials for recycling that aren’t listed on RPRA’s Where to Recycle map. To find a location to dispose of refillable propane containers, refillable pressurized containers, fertilizers or mercury-containing thermostats, thermometers and barometers, contact one of the businesses below or visit their website: ​

  • Mobius PRO Services​
  • Offers services for refillable propane containers and refillable pressurized containers​
  • Phone: 833-266-2487 | Email: info@mobiuspro.ca | Website​
  • Product Care Association​
  • Offers services for fertilizers and refillable propane containers​
  • Website (includes a map with recycling locations)​
  • Ryse Solutions Ontario Inc.​
  • Offers services for fertilizers, refillable pressurized containers, refillable propane containers, barometers, thermometers and thermostats​
  • Phone: 289-352-1200 | Email: info@ryseinc.ca | Website​
  • Tank Traders​
  • Offers services for refillable propane containers​
  • Website (includes a map with recycling locations)​
  • Thermostat Recovery Program​
  • Offers services for thermostats​
  • Website (includes a map with recycling locations)​

  Other materials (e.g., organics, mattresses, textiles, etc.)​

  If you need to recycle materials outside of the programs that RPRA oversees (e.g., organics, mattresses, textiles, etc.), please contact the waste management department at your municipality for proper disposal instructions.​

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• Program: Batteries , Blue Box , Excess Soil , Hazardous and Special Products , Hazardous Waste , ITT/AV , Lighting , Tires

  Topic: General , Registry

  Toggle the submenu Where can I find resources related to the use of the Registry?

  RPRA has developed a library of resources to support Registry users navigate the online system and meet their regulatory requirements. RPRA consistently adds to this pool of resources based on upcoming requirements, emerging needs, and questions we receive from stakeholders.

  View Registry resources for each program:

  • Batteries
  • Blue Box
  • Hazardous and Special Products
  • ITT/AV
  • Lighting
  • Tires
  • Excess Soil Registry
  • Hazardous Waste Program Registry

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• Program: Lighting

  Topic: Producer

  Toggle the submenu What is a fixture and is it obligated under the EEE Regulation?

  For the purposes of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Regulation, a fixture is an electrical device supporting one or several electric lamps that provide illumination. Fixtures are not obligated as lighting under the EEE Regulation.

  Fixtures require an electrical connection to a power source, whether it is directly connected to alternative current or batteries.

  Fixtures can be hardwired, free standing, portable and even solar powered.

  Examples of fixtures include table lamps, floor lamps, etc.

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• Program: ITT/AV

  Topic: Producer , Registration

  Toggle the submenu How do I determine if I am an exempt ITT/AV producer?

  An ITT/AV producer qualifies for an exemption if its management requirement for a performance period is not more than 3.5 tonnes with respect to ITT/AV or not more than 350 kg with respect to lighting. The producer is exempt from the following:

  • Registering and reporting to the Authority;
  • Establishing a collection and management system and meeting a management requirement; and
  • Promotion and education requirements.

  The management requirement percentage increases each year in 2023, 2024, and 2025, therefore while you may be exempt in 2021 and 2022, you might not be exempt in subsequent years. Therefore, a producer must verify that they continue to meet the exemption each year.

  If a producer is exempt and therefore not required to register with the Authority, they must retain records related to the weight of ITT/AV supplied into Ontario each year and provide them to the Authority upon request.

  Producers are encouraged to confirm their exemption with the Compliance Team at 833-600-0530 or registry@rpra.ca.

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• Program: Batteries , Blue Box , Hazardous and Special Products , ITT/AV , Lighting , Tires

  Topic: Collection systems , Collector , First Nation communities , Hauler , Management activities , Municipalities , PRO , Processor , Producer , Retreader

  Toggle the submenu How do I find a PRO?

  Here are the lists of registered PROs:

  Tire PROs

  Battery PROs

  ITT/AV PROs

  Lighting PROs

  Blue Box PROs

  Hazardous and Special Products PROs

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

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