Ontario Government finalizes amendments to producer responsibility programs

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

• Tires Regulation (O. Reg. 225/18)

• Batteries Regulation (O. Reg. 30/20)

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) Regulation (O. Reg. 522/20)

• Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) Regulation (O. Reg. 449/21)

The amendments aim to:

• Provide producers with more flexibility to meet collection network requirements.

• Reduce administrative burdens for producers, processors, haulers, and collectors.

• Simplify requirements by focusing on the right materials and parties, setting realistic targets, and updating activities that count toward obligations.

Key points:

• Some changes apply to all regulations, while others are program specific.

• The amendments take effect on January 1, 2025, with implementation continuing through 2025 and 2026.

• RPRA will provide more detailed updates in early 2025 to help producers understand the impact of these changes.

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