Issue 136: February 12, 2010

In this Issue:

• Revised Blue Box Program Plan Posted for Review – Consultation Webcast Feb. 17

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BLUE BOX STEWARDS/STAKEHOLDERS

Revised Blue Box Program Plan Posted for Review:

Consultation Webcast Wednesday, Feb. 17

Stewardship Ontario posted the Draft Preliminary Revised Blue Box Program Plan for review by stewards and stakeholders prior to the consultation webcast scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17.

The plan has been revised in response to a request from the Minister of the Environment to set a new recycling target of 70% to be achieved by the end of 2011. Currently the recycling target in Ontario is 60% and that target has been exceeded. For stewards and stakeholders familiar with the current plan, the most notable changes in the revised plan reflect:

• Expanding the definition of Printed Paper and Packaging to including printed paper-like products and packaging-like products, e.g., aluminum pie plates, that are compatible with current collection and management systems
• Revising the methodology for calculating diversion by including additional quantities of residential waste collected through non-municipal systems, e.g. private sector pick-up at multi-residential buildings and charity drives
• Measures and related costs associated with achieving a recycling rate of 70% by the end
  of 2011

The draft plan also updates the original Blue Box Program Plan to reflect subsequent direction from the Minister and approved changes to that plan.

Comments on the plan will be accepted until end of business Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

This consultation is not intended to review 2010 fees nor pre-empt the usual fee setting process and consultation that takes place in early Fall.

Webcast Schedule:
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 EST (approximately)
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 17

Stewards and stakeholders are asked to register to participate in the webcast. Information concerning how to log on to it will be distributed by email on Feb. 16 to those who have registered.

Questions can be directed to: Customer Service at 1-888-288-3360;
Email: customerservice@stewardshipontario.ca