Over the past four years, the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) Used Tires Program has been meeting or exceeded its diversion targets, with an average of 95 per cent diversion. This has enabled our program to be part of a number of exciting advancements in the tire recycling industry in Ontario, and similar to other start up organizations, there are always learnings that occur as a program develops. Here at OTS we continue to refine our practices to ensure the efficient and the responsible recycling of Ontario’s used tires. Part of this has included a review our fee structure.
In order to continue evolving the program, OTS is implementing changes to Tire Stewardship Fees for Stewards, effective April 1, 2013. These changes are designed to ensure that the true cost of tire recovery and recycling is reflected. All of the fees collected from Stewards are used by Ontario Tire Stewardship to responsibly recycle Ontario’s used tires, clean up tires in piles and invest back into Ontario’s tire recycling industry.
Background
The Used Tires Program is funded by a fee collected by OTS from Stewards – tire manufacturers and first importers of new tires in Ontario. The fee, which is set in consultation with the Stewards, covers the costs of managing used tires to prevent them from ending up in landfills or being burned. It also ensures that there is no cost for the disposal of your used tires (up to 4 tires at a time).
The fee is not a tax as none of the monies collected go to government. It may be absorbed by Stewards, but is often passed along to the purchasers of new tires.
Details on Tire Stewardship Fee Changes
Here is what you need to know about the fee changes:
It is up to Tire Stewards to manage their inventories and distribution networks and determine the appropriate phase-in of the new fees. Stewards are responsible for encouraging their prompt implementation by tire retailers in Ontario. OTS has no control over the adoption rate of the new Tire Stewardship Fees by non-Stewards.
When purchasing new tires you may see the Tire Stewardship Fee itemised on your invoice or receipt. If you believe a retailer is not charging the correct fee, you may return to the retailer where you made the purchase and request an adjustment or refund. If there is no resolution, staff at the Ministry of Consumer Services’ Consumer Protection Hotline are available to help consumers who think they may have been charged an inappropriate fee. Contact them at 416-326-8800 or toll-free at 1-800-889-9768, TTY: 416-229-6086 or 1-877-666-6545.
Transforming Ontario’s Relationship with Tires
Through the Used Tires Program, scrap tires are given a new life as they are recycled into a variety of green household, landscaping and construction products at the end of their life cycle. Eco-friendly products include patio tiles, rubber landscaping mulch, gym flooring, playground surfacing and floor underlay. The Program’s introduction has also driven over $40 million of investment and created hundreds of new jobs across the province. With the continued cooperation of drivers and businesses, it will continue to give back to the provincial economy, create jobs and contribute to a sustainable future for Ontario.
For more information, see our additional TSF resources. If you have comments or questions, please contact info@RethinkTires.ca or call us at 1-888-687-2202.
