Waste Diversion and recycling are regulated provincially. Governments are increasingly approaching industries to take more responsibility to achieve waste diversion goals and are looking to producers (“stewards”) to pay for the cost (in some cases 100% of costs) of waste management, including recycling programs. Governments refer to this process as “Extended Producer Responsibility.”
In most Canadian provinces, recycling programs are run by municipalities and funded through the tax base or user fees. The sale of recyclable materials by municipalities – especially old newspapers (ONP) and aluminum, brings in a substantial revenue stream, and in an efficient system, covers the program costs.
Ontario Newspapers – A Roadmap For Other Provinces
British Columbia Newspaper Stewardship Plan
For more information, contact Paul Deegan, President and CEO, at pdeegan@newsmediacanada.ca.