Industry applauds move to full producer responsibility for plastics, printed paper and packaging

Industry players are applauding the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announcement of the transition to full producer responsibility for Ontario’s blue-box recycling system.
“The Canadian Beverage Association supports the move to full producer responsibility. We share the Government of Ontario’s goals of reducing litter, increasing recycling and advancing innovation in the circular economy.,” says Jim Goetz, president of the Canadian Beverage Association (CBA). “We look forward to working with the provincial government, municipalities and producers to build on the success of the Blue Box program by establishing a more harmonized recycling system for Ontarians.”
When fully implemented, the move will shift both costs and oversight of the residential recycling system to industry, thereby creating a stronger incentive for businesses to optimize packaging.
Retail Canada of Canada (RCC), Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) and CBA, who collectively represent the majority of blue-box producers, support the Ontario government’s commitment to improving the blue-box recycling system.
“Food & Consumer Products of Canada welcomes the government’s commitment to strengthen Ontario’sBlue Box program,” says Michael Graydon, CEO, FCPC. “The orderly transition to full producer responsibility is a positive and necessary step in achieving a harmonized, efficient and cost-effective residential recycling program.  By incrementally shifting costs and operational oversight to industry, full producer responsibility will allow for greater innovations in recycling technologies and the use of recyclable materials as we work toward achieving a circular economy, minimized disposal, and consistency in service for Ontarians.”
Producers have made significant investments to support the development of Ontario’s current blue-box recycling system. Roughly 1,900 producers provide more than $127 million each year to support municipal collection and processing.  Since the blue-box program started, businesses have contributed more than $1.36 billion.
“Retail Council of Canada supports the Ontario government’s commitment to improving the blue-box recycling system,” says  Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO, RCC. “For our part, retailers are committed to full producer responsibility. We share a common view that plastics, printed paper and packaging do not belong in landfill. RCC looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure better environmental outcomes.”
Thanks to investments made by producers and municipalities, the blue-box program is now available to roughly 95 per cent of households in Ontario and continues to exceed the province’s recycling target of 60 per cent.