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Waste Sector Concerns with Electronics Recycling Regulation

Waste Sector Concerns with Electronics Recycling Regulation

Several months ago, the government passed Ontario Regulation 522/20: Electrical and Electronic Equipment, the regulation was passed only months before it came into effect, leaving no time to properly plan and included major amendments that were not consulted on. These changes cut targets by between 15% - 25% per year; added exemptions and reductions that further undercut targets; reduced oversight requirements; and placed too much reliance on access to recycling collection sites rather than ensuring all materials are collected and recycled. The recycling sector is already experiencing the impacts of these changes and are certain they will lead to worse environmental outcomes than the previous recycling program, and negatively impact jobs and investment in Ontario. OWMA is now requesting that amendments to the regulation be considered as soon as possible.