A matter of trust
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By EMC News
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Tweet ThisEMC Editorial - Nice idea, bad execution.
Eco fees, designed to go hand in hand with Stewardship Ontario's new 'Orange Drop' hazardous waste recycling program July 1, found their way into the scrap heap last week. Feeling the heat from a public angered by what some were calling another hidden tax, the province dumped the program, vowing to work with business and Stewardship Ontario to come up with a recycled version we all can live with.
On the surface, the concept is a good one. Stewardship Ontario, a not-for-profit industry-based organization that manages the Blue Box program, expanded its Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste program on Canada Day under the 'Orange Drop' banner. Since first being introduced in 2008, the MHSW has helped divert 20,000 tonnes of hazardous and special waste such as paints and solvents from landfills across the province each year. By growing that program in 2010, 13 new categories covering thousands of products were added to the list which now includes batteries, pharmaceuticals and much more. The controversial fees were being charged to the companies that produce these products to help cover the cost of their recycling/disposal. While some chose to incorporate the charge in the cost of their product, many passed it on at the point of sale. And that's where the confusion and anger emerged. The additional charge on one's bill was not well explained. Nor was it well known how the fees were calculated or where the money was going.
With consumers already paying more through the new HST, one more price hike under a perceived veil of secrecy served only to fuel a furious backlash forcing the province's hand.
Some Ontarians may believe in the Orange Drop program. They might even be willing to dig deeper into their pockets to help pay for it. But without more transparency as to its costs, there will always be a level of mistrust that, for many, will be hard for the province to earn back.
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