Ontario's Plastic Recycling Efforts: How Effective Are They?

Canada's plastic recycling rate is a mere 9%, with the remaining plastic waste ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment as litter. This is a pressing issue, as Canadians throw away about 3.3 million tonnes of plastic annually, and plastic pollution is one of the factors driving the government's decision to regulate the material. While recycling can help save the planet, the way it is done is crucial. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which force producers to fund and manage recycling systems for their products, are seen as a potential solution. Ontario is one of the provinces planning to implement such a program.

Ontario's Blue Box Program

The Blue Box Program was previously administered by Stewardship Ontario on behalf of stewards under the Blue Box Program Plan and the Waste Diversion Transition Act, 2016. However, as of July 1, 2023, the program transitioned to a new framework, with producer responsibility organizations (PROs) taking full accountability and financial responsibility for collecting and recycling Blue Box materials. This shift aligns with the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, which emphasizes producer responsibility for the recycling and reuse of materials.

Under the new framework, producers of plastic and other packaging are now directly responsible for the management of the Blue Box Program. This change ensures that the producers are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their collection, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. The transition period will last until December 31, 2025, during which Stewardship Ontario will continue to administer the program to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted services for residents.

The Blue Box Program captures a significant portion of plastic packaging generated in Ontario. In 2017, the program captured 28% of all plastic packaging, with the remaining going to landfills or becoming litter. The program accepts a range of materials, including glass, flexible or rigid plastic, metal, paper, and beverage containers. Producers are also required to report on certified compostable products and packaging, although there are no collection requirements for these items.

The Ontario government recognizes the need to increase plastic recycling rates, especially in the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. By strengthening the recycling industry and promoting a circular economy, Ontario aims to not only reduce environmental waste but also boost the economy and create thousands of new jobs.

Canada's poor recycling rate

Canada has one of the highest rates of waste production per person in the world, with Canadians producing 694 kg of waste per person per year. Despite this, Canada's recycling rate is only about 9%. This means that the vast majority of waste ends up in landfills, incinerators, or tossed away as litter. In 2016, more than 3.2 million metric tonnes of plastic waste ended up as garbage, with 86% going to landfills, 4% to incinerators, and 1% (29,000 metric tonnes) becoming litter that can contaminate lakes and oceans. Most of the wasted plastic comes from offices, institutions, or industries.

The low recycling rate in Canada is an issue that has gained the attention of environmental leaders and government officials. Valiante, an environmental leader from the Recycling Council of Ontario, has called for government policy changes to transform the recycling industry into a multibillion economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs. Regulatory changes would drive a "'circular economy,"' where plastic producers would be responsible for the recycling and reuse of materials, displacing new plastics from the petrochemical industry.

The recycling rate varies across different provinces in Canada, with Ontario and Quebec recycling the largest quantities of materials. However, the amounts of material recycled per person and the recycling rate are higher in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. The differences in provincial recycling rates could be attributed to varying levels of access to recycling programs, with some provinces having better infrastructure and programs in place.

While Canada has taken initiatives to improve its recycling efforts, such as modifying glass recycling facilities to increase efficiency, the country still has a long way to go in addressing its poor recycling rate. By improving recycling practices and policies, Canada can not only reduce waste but also create new economic opportunities and positively impact the environment.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Canada recycles only about 9% of its plastics, with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators, or litter. In 2016, of the total 4.6 million metric tonnes of plastic consumed in Canada, more than 3.2 million metric tonnes ended up as garbage. In Ontario, the Blue Box Program captured 28% of all plastic packaging generated in 2017, with the remaining plastic going to landfills or becoming litter.

EPR for packaging and paper products is gaining attention, particularly in the European Union and Canada, where well-established EPR regulations for packaging exist. While EPR programs vary, they share the common goal of holding producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products and promoting recycling and reuse.

In Canada, organizations like Circular Materials and the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) are collaborating to enhance public awareness, promote recycling practices, and support businesses in meeting their EPR obligations. EPR is seen as a necessary component of a comprehensive approach to addressing recycling challenges and concerns over single-use product pollution.

Plastic pollution in oceans

While the exact amount of plastic recycled in Ontario was not readily available, it is worth noting that Canada, as a whole, struggles with plastic pollution. Despite Canadians making up less than 0.5% of the global population, they use 1.4% of all plastic produced. Unfortunately, Canada only recycles about 8% of its plastic waste, which is a significant issue.

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing environmental issue, with approximately 1 to 2 million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans annually. This plastic pollution primarily originates from land-based sources, with an estimated 80% of ocean plastic coming from landfills, littering, and improper waste management practices. The remaining 20% comes from at-sea sources, including fishing and shipping litter.

Single-use plastic items, such as bags, bottles, food containers, and wrappers, are the most common pollutants in the oceans. These items are often not properly disposed of or recycled, leading to their accumulation in marine environments. Rich and high-income countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but it is the mismanagement of waste, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries, that contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution.

The impact of plastic pollution in the oceans is far-reaching and detrimental. It affects marine wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health. Plastic does not easily biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. As plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, it can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to health issues and death. Additionally, chemicals from plastic can leach into the water, contaminating it and potentially entering the food chain.

To address the issue of plastic pollution in oceans, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, reducing the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastics is essential. This can be achieved through policy changes and public awareness campaigns. Secondly, improving waste management practices, especially in poorer countries, is crucial. Proper disposal, recycling, and incineration of plastic waste can help prevent it from ending up in the oceans. Finally, ongoing research and innovation are needed to develop more sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics.

Canada's plastic waste exports

In 2016, out of the total 4.6 million metric tonnes of plastics consumed in Canada, 3.2 million metric tonnes ended up as garbage. Of this, 86% went to landfills, 4% was incinerated, and 1% (29,000 metric tonnes) became litter, which can contaminate water bodies. Most of the wasted plastic originates from offices, institutions, or industries.

In 2019, Canada faced a diplomatic standoff with the Philippines when shipments of garbage were falsely labelled as plastics for recycling. As a result, Canada committed to working with the Canada Border Services Agency to halt exports of contaminated plastic and agreed to amendments to the United Nations Basel Convention on hazardous waste, which included mixed plastic waste. However, in the following year, Canada's plastic waste exports increased by 13%, with a significant proportion going to the United States.

Canada's Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, has expressed concern over the country's approach to exporting plastic waste, stating the need to ensure that plastics aimed at recycling are properly managed. Activists and environmentalists have also called for policy changes and a stronger commitment to reducing plastic waste exports, with some specifically addressing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau through letters and campaigns.

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