E-waste Regulation 522/20 published in Ontario
The Ontario Regulation 522/20 was published on 21 September 2020. The new electronics recycling regulation will come into effect from 1st January 2021 in Ontario. The new regulation will replace the existing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment program (WEEE) managed by Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES). Under the direction of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the program will wind-up the program on 31st December 2020.
What does this mean for you?
Ontario Regulation 522/20 makes individual producers legally responsible for meeting the requirements. However, producers are able to comply collectively. Under the regulations, producers of covered devices and equipment are responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the products they place onto the market. Producers must:
- Establish free collection networks for consumers
- Achieve management requirements through reduction, reuse and/or recycling activities
- Provide promotion and education materials until the end of 2022 for IT and audio visual equipment and the end of 2024 for lighting equipment to increase consumer awareness
- Register on or before 30th November 2020 if producing
IT and audio visual equipment and on or before 30th November 2022 if producing
lighting equipment
- Report, maintain records and undertake audits related to management activities
Other changes in Canada
Alberta, the scope of products was extended from 1 September 2020 to include audio visual equipment, telecom, cell phone and wireless devices, electronic gaming equipment, small home appliances, portable power tools, toys, musical instruments and solar panels. The scope of products has been gradually phased in since 2004.
In British Columbia the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy published a Policy Intentions Paper in September 2020 which proposes to extend the scope of products covered by the regulations to address emerging technologies such as e-cigarettes, vapes, motorized yard decorations, large drones, and photovoltaic panels.
How can we help?
We can monitor the regulatory changes in Canada for you. EC4P offers an annual update service specific to your company, taking into account your company’s sales arrangements and products to notify you if you need to put in place or modify compliance arrangements. Please contact us if you would like more information on this service and how else we can manage your e-waste, batteries and packaging compliance obligations.