Background information on Extended Producer Responsibility:
- Toronto transitioned its residential Blue Bin recycling program to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on July 1, 2023, on account of provincial regulation O. Reg. 391/21 – Blue Box that makes producers of blue box materials, via their representative Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), fully responsible for the end-of-life management of packaging, paper and packaging-like products that is supplied to Ontario consumers.
- As of July 1, 2023, the City is no longer financially responsible for the management of blue box materials collected from single-family households and City serviced multi-residential buildings, schools and long-term care facilities (collectively known as Eligible Sources). However, the City is contracted by Circular Materials, the System Administrator for the common collection system (i.e. from curb to receiving facilities) and PRO representative, to collect, transfer and haul blue box materials between the period of July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
- As management responsibilities for blue box materials transitioned to producers via their PRO, the program effectively now belongs to producers and they are allowed under the regulation to add materials to the program.
Addition of Hot and Cold Paper Beverage Cups:
- Effective July 3, 2024, Toronto residents can place their hot and cold paper beverage cups, including cups used for coffee and tea and cold drink cups used for fountain drinks, in their Blue Bin recycling.
- The Province is moving towards a Blue Box system that is consistent and standardized, which is to be implemented starting January 1, 2026.
- As administrator of the blue box system, Circular Materials is piloting the recycling of hot and cold paper beverage cups in Toronto to capture learnings that will support the successful addition of this material across all municipal recycling programs in Ontario in 2026. Additional information on Circular Materials’ pilot is available at www.circularmaterials.ca/beveragecups.
- Foam, non-black and non-compostable plastic cups are already accepted in the City of Toronto’s Blue Bin program.
- Sleeves and non-black plastic lids are recyclable but must be separated from the cups before placing these items in the Blue Bin (recycling).
- Cups should be emptied of any content and given a quick rinse with water if possible before placing in the Blue Bin (recycling).
- Hot and cold paper beverage cups can also be placed in Blue Bins at City of Toronto facilities, including community centres, recreation facilities, arenas/rinks, recycling bins found in City parks, and in the recycling compartment of litter bins found along city streets.
- Hot and cold paper beverage cups will also be accepted in recycling bins of commercial businesses that receive waste collection from the City, as well as charities, institutions and religious organizations that are serviced by the City.
