February 6th, 2024

While Canada doesn’t have a single, national recycling program, most mid-to-large municipalities in all provinces have curbside recycling programs. These programs vary depending on location, so the specific details like accepted materials, collection methods, and frequency will differ.

While Canada doesn't have a single, national recycling program, most mid-to-large municipalities in all provinces have curbside recycling programs. These programs vary depending on location, so the specific details like accepted materials, collection methods, and frequency will differ.

Here's a breakdown of Canada's recycling landscape:

National Level:

  • No universal program, but the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy has a target to reduce waste sent to disposal by 30% by 2030.
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada provides resources and initiatives to support recycling nationwide.

Provincial/Territorial Level:

  • Each province and territory sets its own recycling regulations and policies.
  • Extended producer responsibility programs (EPR) shift waste management costs to producers, incentivizing them to design more recyclable products.
  • Some provinces have container deposit systems for beverage containers.

Municipal Level:

  • Curbside recycling programs are the most common form of recycling access for Canadians.
  • Accepted materials, collection methods, and frequency vary based on municipality.
  • Municipalities may run other recycling programs beyond curbside collection, such as drop-off depots for specific materials.

Overall:

  • Canada's recycling rate is currently around 27.5%, lower than many developed nations.
  • There are efforts underway to improve recycling rates and infrastructure, including advancements in sorting technologies and circular economy principles.

H2 Compliance and Responsible Recycling:

  • H2 Compliance is a registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Ontario for specific materials, including:
    • Information technology, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment (ITT/AV): This covers electronic waste like computers, monitors, printers, and televisions.
    • Batteries: This includes household batteries, lead-acid batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
    • Blue Box materials: This encompasses paper, cardboard, plastics, and metal containers typically collected in curbside recycling programs.
  • By registering as a PRO, H2 Compliance takes on the responsibility of managing the end-of-life of these materials for producers who sell them. This helps ensure these materials are collected, transported, processed, and recycled responsibly, in accordance with provincial regulations.
  • H2 Compliance offers various services to producers, including:
    • Registration and compliance support: Helping producers register with the appropriate authorities and meet legal requirements.
    • Collection and transportation: Organizing the collection and transportation of covered materials from designated locations.
    • Processing and recycling: Ensuring collected materials are processed and recycled responsibly through certified facilities.
    • Reporting and data management: Providing reports and data to producers on the collection, processing, and recycling of their materials.

Benefits of Using H2 Compliance:

  • Compliance assurance: Ensures producers meet their legal obligations for managing covered materials.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive rates for collection, processing, and reporting services.
  • Convenience: Provides a single point of contact for all compliance needs related to the covered materials.
  • Environmental benefits: Promotes responsible recycling and helps divert materials from landfills.

Protect the environment, ensure compliance, and simplify your waste management.

Are you a producer of ITT/AV equipment, batteries, or blue box materials in Ontario? H2 Compliance can help you meet your legal obligations and contribute to a more sustainable future. Book a time to talk with our team HERE.

Resources:

Remember, to get specific details about your local recycling program, you'll need to consult your municipality's website or contact your local waste management provider.