WHEREAS beverage containers for milk, milk substitutes, rice milk, soya milk, flavoured milk, infant formulas, meal replacements or dietary supplements are not included in the deposit-refund beverage container stewardship program, require extensive space in municipal blue boxes and collection vehicles, and contribute to garbage and litter throughout the province; AND WHEREAS the deposit-refund beverage container stewardship program is the most effective and environmentally responsible way to divert these containers from disposal: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government remove the exemption for milk, milk substitutes, rice milk, soya milk, flavoured milk, infant formulas, meal replacements or dietary supplements beverage containers in the beverage container product category of the Recycling Regulation.
Ministry of Environment The Province acknowledges that milk and milk substitute containers not currently captured under the Beverage Container Schedule of the Recycling Regulation 2004 do require significant space in the current municipal blue box programs. However, the Province does not intend to add deposit-refund obligations to these containers at this time. The Recycling Regulation 2004 does not include deposits on containers for milk and milk substitutes such as soya milk, rice milk, infant formula, meal replacements and dietary supplements, as extra deposit costs could impact the ability of vulnerable members of society to meet basic nutritional needs. Deposits on pop and juice have helped industry beverage container programs achieve high recovery rates, as many of these drinks are consumed in non-residential places where recycling options are less convenient. Most milk containers are used in the home and are not generally considered a littering issue. All containers not currently regulated under the Beverage Container Schedule of the Recycling Regulation, including containers for milk and milk substitutes, are captured under the Packaging and Printed Paper category of the Regulation. Regulated producers will have to develop collection methods that will meet recovery targets and they must consult with stakeholders when designing and implementing their stewardship programs. Local governments are encouraged to provide their input on efficient, convenient and environmentally preferable methods for collecting milk and milk substitute containers during the packaging consultations. The Province will expect the producers packaging program to achieve high performance targets as set out in their plan, or as part of a plan they join with other producers of packaging.