New Ontario batteries regulation comes into force 1st July 2020
The new batteries regulation falls
under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016. The regulation
transitions batteries to Ontario’s new individual producer responsibility
regulatory framework. The existing program for single-use batteries operated by
Stewardship Ontario winds up on 30th June 2020.
What does this mean if I sell batteries in Ontario?
From 1st July 2020, battery ‘producers’ will be fully responsible for managing their products. The new batteries regulation makes individual battery producers responsible for the collection and end-of-life management of batteries they supply into Ontario.
The regulation requires producers of primary and rechargeable batteries that weigh five kilograms or less, and are sold separately (i.e. not integrated into products), to:
- establish free collection networks for consumers starting 1st July 2020
- register with the RPRA (the Authority) on or before 30th November 2020
- report annually on performance to the RPRA starting 30th April 2021
- keep records, and undertake audits related to management activities
- achieve management requirements through reduction, reuse and/or recycling activities
- increase consumer awareness through promotion and education materials until the end of 2022
The regulation makes individual producers legally responsible for meeting the requirements. However, producers will be able to meet their obligations individually, or collaboratively with other producers, by retaining service providers. Producer responsibility organisations (PROs) will need to register within 30 days of being retained by a producer.
How can we help?
EC4P can assess whether you are obligated under the new batteries regulation Ontario Regulation 30/20) in Ontario based on your company’s sales arrangements and the type of batteries you place onto the market. If you are obligated under the regulations, we can help you meet the individual producer responsibility requirements in this province. Please contact us if you would like more information on this service.