Ontario is expanding its blue box program.
Environment Minister Jeff Yurek says in addition to manufacturers paying to recycle their packaging, more items will be able accepted into your blue box.
“With the proposed changes, people would be able to put more materials in their blue box, such as paper, plastic cups, wraps, foils and bags, as well as food-related products like as stir sticks, straws, cutlery, plates as well as recyclable plastic coffee pods,” states Yurek.
The province will consult with municipalities until sometime in December.
The announcement includes shifting packaging costs onto manufacturers.
Yurek says the announcement comes with $135 million in relief to help municipalities continue their blue box programs. There will also be an expansion of blue box to communities currently without, including First Nations.
The announcement was made at the start of Waste Reduction Week.
