Frequently asked questions
Results (4)
Click the question to read the answer.
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Businesses are required to report data to RPRA for materials they supplied and recycled from the previous year or, in some cases, two years prior, depending on the material-specific reporting requirements. RPRA publishes the data to Ontario Recycles the year the data is reported. This results in a one- to two-year gap between the year the activity (supply or recycling) occurred and the date the data is reported to RPRA.
Looking at batteries data as an example, in 2025, businesses were required to report the weight of single-use batteries they supplied in 2024, the weight of rechargeable batteries they supplied in 2023 and the weight of batteries recycled in 2024. The 2023/2024 supply data and 2024 recycling data that was submitted to RPRA in 2025 and was published to Ontario Recycles (and rpra.ca) in 2026, as noted by the “Data last updated..” date at the top of the page.
To learn more, read our “What is RPRA?” FAQ.
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In 2026, Ontario’s Blue Box Program completed its three-year transition to the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) system, where the businesses that produce Blue Box materials are responsible for recycling them. This multi-year transition allowed municipalities to shift to the new system in phases.
These businesses are required to start reporting to RPRA the weight of Blue Box materials they recycle each year in 2027, following the multi-year transition period. This data will be added to Ontario Recycles at that time.
RPRA has made supply and collection data available on Ontario Recycles as that has been reported on throughout the transition period.
To learn more about the program’s shift to EPR, see our Blue Box materials webpage.
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As it relates to the ‘How much is recycled’ data on Ontario Recycles, “supplied” means the weight of material businesses provide (e.g., sell, rent, gift) to consumers in Ontario each year.
See our ‘What does “recycled” mean?’ and ‘Who is considered a “consumer”?’ FAQs.
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As it relates to the ‘How much is recycled’ data on Ontario Recycles, “recycled” means the weight of material that has been processed or broken down into different materials to be used in new products.
In some instances, the recycling data on Ontario Recycles also includes the weight of materials that were reused (e.g., tires) or refurbished (e.g., batteries, electronics and lighting). This is clearly noted on the “How much is recycled” webpages.
Ontario’s recycling laws outline the various methods (recycle, reuse, refurbishment) that are accepted for each material group to ensure resources stay out of landfills.
See our ‘What does “supplied” mean?’ FAQ.