On November 26, 2015, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) introduced a significant new regulatory framework for the province with Bill 151, the Waste-Free Ontario Act, 2015. On December 3rd, the MOECC held a technical briefing with many industry associations to help explain the salient points of Bill 151 so we could better explain it to our members.
Bill 151 (which can be read in its entirety here) would replace the current Waste Diversion Act 2002. The product category of small appliances and other electrical equipment, could potentially be designated for collection and management under the new framework. No specific timeline for introducing new product categories has been communicated.
As Ontario moves to a full extended producer responsibility model, Bill 151 has some key primary objectives:
- Establish an outcomes-based EPR regime where stewards are responsible for recovering resources and reducing wastes associated with their products and packaging;
- Implement the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority to replace Waste Diversion Ontario, a new body that would oversee any new programs as well as the transition of existing waste diversion programs; and
- Establish a strategy that will provide a vision and goals for Ontario’s resource recovery and waste reduction initiatives.
Some of the secondary objectives of Bill 151 are centered around consumer fairness, increased competition, accountability and compliance, to name a few.
CESA is currently engaged in an intensive process of review of the new Bill in order to fully comprehend its impact on future industry-led recycling programs in Ontario. CESA welcomes the opportunity to work with the MOECC and industry associations to develop a strong regulatory framework that meets the needs of our members if/when small appliance stewardship is introduced.
As we prepare our submission, we would ask that CESA members take a moment to review the draft response, which will be posted on our website, and provide feedback. Comments need to be submitted no later than February 24, 2016 to the MOECC.
MOECC consultations regarding Bill 151 are scheduled for early to mid-January. CESA strongly encourages members to participate in these consultations, either directly, or through their respective associations, including CESA, AHAM, RCC and CHHMA.
