Manufacturers must pay the province a levy for recycling their products. Some companies are passing these costs, ranging from a few cents to several dollars per product, onto consumers.
Stewardship Ontario, the agency overseeing the eco fees, began its $2.5 million public education campaign at the beginning of the month, which consists of posters and radio spots, as well as a group which tours public events and provides information about the program.
"We would rather spend the money to educate people than to spend the money months ahead to say, 'Hey, there's a new eco fee coming,' " said spokeswoman Amanda Harper Sevonty.
"Our message to consumers isn't about the eco fees. Our message to consumers is about here are the materials and what to do with them."
What gets the fee:
- All aerosol containers, from paint to hairspray.
- Rechargeable batteries, as well as non-lead acid motive batteries.
- Corrosives and irritants, such as household bleaches, drain cleaners and detergents.
- Assorted toxic, flammable and reactive products.
- Syringes and needles.
- Pharmaceuticals for humans and pets, including prescription medicine, over-the-counter drugs and natural health products.
- Fluorescent tubes and bulbs.
- Fire extinguishers.
By clicking the makethedrop.ca website and inserting their postal codes, residents can find which products they can recycle and where the closest collection site is located. There are 92 special disposal sites across the province.
The fees now cover all aerosol containers from hairspray to whipped cream, pharmaceuticals, syringes, mercury-containing devices and other toxic, corrosive or flammable products.
The start date of the new levies was set when the program came into effect two years ago...
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