The Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste (MHSW) Program is designed to collect consumer hazardous and special materials so they can be recycled or disposed of safely.
The program has two phases. The first phase
began in July 2008 and includes nine materials. The second
phase, the consolidated phase, begins July 1, 2010 and includes 22
materials (including the original nine).
| This section of the website focuses on the consolidated phase of the program. For more information about Phase 1, go here. |
The Ontario Minister of the Environment determined which materials were to be included and directed Stewardship Ontario to develop a consolidated MHSW Program Plan.
In a letter dated September 22, 2009, the minister approved that plan and directed Stewardship Ontario to implement and operate the program.
Stewardship Ontario will partner with municipalities, waste management companies, retailers and others to operate collection depots and events where consumers can return leftover materials for recycling or safe disposal.
What’s the benefit?
Keeping these materials from being thrown out in landfill sites, or poured down drains and storm sewers will contribute to a healthier environment and ultimately to more sustainable communities.
Who’s funding this program?
The program will be funded entirely by the companies that make and market the designated products in Ontario. Companies resident in Ontario and that are brand owners or first importers are designated as ‘stewards’ under the program.
As stewards, they are obligated to register with Stewardship Ontario, submit a Steward’s Report and pay fees based on the materials they supply for sale or use into the Ontario market.
What does Stewardship Ontario do?
Stewardship Ontario uses the money on behalf of industry to collect, transport and recycle (or safely dispose of) the waste.
Stewardship Ontario is also responsible for achieving recycling or safe disposal targets that have been set for each material in the program. It is committed to a program of continuous improvement that will achieve these targets at the lowest possible cost.
Want to learn more?
If your company is a steward, or could be a steward, sign up here to receive more information and regular updates.
Go to “Understanding the Consolidated Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste (MHSW) Program: A handbook for companies that may have obligations under the program.”
If you are a consumer and want to find out where to take leftover products designated under the MHSW program, go to the ‘Do What You Can’ website at www.dowhatyoucan.ca.
