Dear OTS Stakeholders,

Today the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Bradley, announced new waste reduction legislation, which outlines significant changes to the current waste diversion approach in Ontario. The Waste Reduction Act and the accompanying Waste Reduction Strategy paper, which were introduced at Queen’s Park this afternoon, outline a future state where individual producers of products are responsible for arranging the diversion of the wastes resulting from their products.

Having been advised of the new direction that is indicated in the proposed Act earlier today, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) is communicating with the Government, Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) and the Stewards to evaluate the potential impact this legislation, if passed, could have on the program. Any changes this fundamental will need to be considered very carefully. In the coming weeks, OTS will seek to develop a better understanding of the implications from this announcement, and what direction may be required for the future of the Used Tires Program. As more information becomes available, we will do our best to keep you apprised of the status. During this period, OTS will continue to focus on our normal course of business, continue to work with Collectors, Haulers, Processors and Recycled Product Manufacturers and process claims as usual.

Since its launch in September 2009, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) has recycled over 50 million tires and has achieved an average diversion rate of more than 95 per cent. This phenomenal success is a result of our collective commitment to diverting tires from burning and landfills, and is a testament to the effectiveness of the Ontario tire recycling industry.

OTS looks forward to working with the Ministry of the Environment, Stewards, service providers and other stakeholders as details of the legislation unfold.

Information regarding Bill 91, Waste Reduction Act, 2013 can be found here: http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTE5NzM0&statusId=MTc5MTM1&language=en

If you have questions about the program, feel free to contact me directly via email at ahorsman@RethinkTires.ca.

Sincerely,

Andrew Horsman
OTS Executive Director