The province is looking for public input on its proposed new approach to keeping more waste out of landfills.

The proposed approach, which will help Ontario businesses and residents move to a green economy, includes:

• Making product manufacturers and importers responsible for the recycling of their products and packaging – and giving them the flexibility to do so in a way that best suits their business
• Diverting more waste from landfill by giving Ontarians more opportunities to recycle a wider range of materials
• Encouraging more diversion through incentives and banning specific materials from landfills.

These ideas came out of the government’s consultation on how to improve the province’s Waste Diversion Act. The responses form part of a report titled From Waste to Worth: The Role of Waste Diversion in the Green Economy.  The report also includes other proposals to improve Ontario’s waste diversion efforts.

The report is posted on the Environmental Registry under number 010-8164. The deadline for comments is January 11, 2010. The Ministry of the Environment will also be undertaking consultations on the report. Further details on these consultations will be posted on the Environmental Registry.