TORONTO - A new program being launched Thursday will aim to divert hazardous household waste like old batteries from Ontario landfills by returning it to the store.
Many municipalities already collect waste like old paint on designated days, but the new program will let consumers drop it off at participating retail stores.
Stewardship Ontario will collect fees from companies that make or import the products to pay for the program.
But those costs could trickle down to consumers if companies decide to hike prices to offset the recycling fees.
Environment Minister John Gerretsen says the fees will be `quite nominal,' but it's up to the companies to decide if they want to include it in their prices.
The `Do What You Can' program is expected to cost $28 million in its first year, but will be expanded to include items such as aerosol containers, fluorescent light bulbs and corrosive cleaners.
