Ontario is transitioning to a circular economy.

A circular economy “aims to maximize value and eliminate waste by improving the design of materials, products, and business models. A circular economy goes beyond recycling. The goal is not just to design for better end-of-life recovery, but to minimize the use of raw materials and energy through a restorative system.” (ontario.ca/page/strategy-waste-free-ontario-building-circular-economy)

A significant part of a circular economy is to place responsibility on producers to manage the waste produced by their products.

When it comes to tires, the new regulation will require producers to be responsible for the collection and end-of-life management of tires. “Companies may fulfill the obligations on their own or use a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to manage tracking, collection, recycling and government reporting requirements. Several industry PROs are forming to help companies fulfill the law’s forthcoming requirements.” (aem.org/news/july-2017/ontario-to-implement-new-tire-recycling-requirements)

Part of the goal of the new regulation is to “force producers and retailers to take individual responsibility for their products by creating innovative recycling programs.” (recycle.ab.ca/newsletterarticle/province-to-shut-down-ontario-tire-stewardship-by-2018)

The current Used Tire Program that is operated by the Ontario Tire Stewardship will cease to exist on December 31, 2018. The new law will come into effect on January 1, 2019.

AIA Canada will continue to monitor activity related to changes in the collection and end-of-life management of tires. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Erin Chreptyk at [email protected].