Tories would kill eco fees for hazardous and electronics and stewardship groups

TORONTO – The Progressive Conservatives say they have a better plan for recycling hazardous and electronic waste in Ontario.

They’re proposing to get rid of controversial eco fees that are passed on to consumers as well as Waste Diversion Ontario, an arm’s-length corporation which runs waste diversion programs.

The Tories would also abolish two industry-led stewardship organizations that oversee the hazardous waste and electronic waste recycling programs.

Eco fees are collected to help fund recycling programs that diverts electronics and potentially hazardous items — such as paint and batteries — from Ontario’s landfills.

The Tories say they’d set enforceable targets for diverting waste and allow producers and importers to decide for themselves how to pay for recycling those products.

Tory critic Michael Harris says the free-market model he’s proposing would free businesses from government interference and increase diversion rates.