AMO Welcomes 'Producer Responsibility' Focus of Ontario's Latest Waste Management Initiatives

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) welcomes the Ontario Government's renewed commitment to waste reduction, public safety and environmental protection.  Specifically, the Province has committed to creating an action plan to divert waste from landfills, manage hazardous waste responsibly and protect consumers from unnecessary charges. In addition it has introduced a regulation that promotes greater producer responsibility for funding actual waste management costs.

"AMO believes that waste management policies in Ontario should provide clear incentives that reward waste reduction and shift costs to those who are responsible for creating waste," said AMO President Gary McNamara.

"Holding producers responsible for waste management costs is the most appropriate and practical way to reduce waste, promote safer products and achieve smarter packaging. Burying waste management costs in property tax bills isn't fair, transparent or accountable."

AMO is encouraged by the stated intent of the Province's Action Plan, which is to ensure that:

• Waste diversion targets are met;
• The interests of consumers are protected;
• Businesses have clear, consistent guidelines for diverting the maximum amount of waste;
• Municipalities are not burdened with additional costs; and,
• Retailers understand their role and take responsibility for fair and accurate pricing.

It is in the public interest to have frank and realistic discussions about Ontario's growing waste management needs, our current systems and how they are funded. AMO encourages all Ontarians and all members of the Legislature at Queen's Park to support improvements to waste management policies that reduce waste, improve product safety, promote greater fairness for property taxpayers, hold waste producers more accountable, and encourage personal responsibility.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments.  AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.

Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [email protected]