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In a significant move to strengthen environmental sustainability, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), proposes to usher in a new era of accountability and transparency in plastic product management. The Minister of the Environment has announced a notice of intent to issue a Section 46 notice for the Federal Plastics Registry. This initiative aims to create a detailed inventory of data on various plastic products for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Overview of the Section 46 Notice
The notice, under subsection 46(1) of CEPA, mandates comprehensive reporting from entities involved in the manufacturing or management of specific plastic products. The detailed information required includes types, quantities, and management practices of various plastic products, as outlined in Schedules 1 through 5 of the notice.
Key Reporting Requirements
- Applicability: The notice applies to producers of plastic products and entities managing plastics after collection for diversion.
- Reporting Timeline: Information for each calendar year must be provided by specific deadlines, with the first report due by September 29, 2025, for the year 2024.
- Online Submission: All required data must be submitted through an online portal provided by the Federal Plastics Registry.
Categories of Plastic Products under Scrutiny
The categories of products covered under the notice are extensive. They include a wide range of plastic products and resins used in various industries.
Here's a breakdown of the main categories:
-
Resins Involved in the Manufacturing of Plastics: This includes different types of resins such as:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resins
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins
- Polystyrene (PS) resins
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins
- Polypropylene (PP) resins
- Other thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, including bio-based and biodegradable varieties.
- Packaging: This category is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging with subcategories for reusable and single-use packaging. It includes various types of containers and packaging materials for beverages, food, and other uses.
- Single-Use or Disposable Plastic Products: This category covers a range of products not included under packaging.
- Electronic and Electrical Equipment (EEE): Including subcategories like information technology equipment, telecommunications equipment, audio-visual equipment, power tools, lighting equipment, and more.
- Tires: Covering various types of tires for motor vehicles, bicycles, farm vehicles, and other categories.
- Transportation: This includes a wide array of transportation-related products such as automobiles, motorcycles, trailers, trucks, and more.
- Construction: Including products used in building construction like windows, doors, insulation materials, piping, roofing materials, and siding.
- White Goods: Encompassing large and small household appliances that require electric current, gas, or propane to function.
- Agriculture and Horticulture: Covering a range of products used in these sectors, including containers, totes, bags, film and sheeting, and irrigation equipment.
- Fishing and Aquaculture: Including longlines, nets, traps, pots, buoys, and other related products.
- Textiles and Apparel: This category includes apparel, interior textiles, industrial textiles, carpet, footwear, and related products.
Each of these categories is further detailed with specific subcategories and types of products, making the scope of this notice quite comprehensive. The aim is to cover a broad spectrum of plastic products to gather detailed data on their use, disposal, and recycling, which is crucial for environmental management and policy-making.
Implications for Stakeholders
This notice signifies a crucial step in Canada's environmental strategy, particularly in managing plastic pollution. Manufacturers, importers, and waste management entities must prepare for detailed reporting and compliance with the new requirements. The collected data will inform policy decisions and help in shaping a sustainable approach to plastic use and management.
Entities are required to maintain records of submitted information for three years. Additionally, requests for confidential treatment of certain data can be submitted, subject to the Act's provisions. Non-compliance with the notice may lead to legal repercussions under the offence provisions of CEPA.
Encouraging Public Feedback
The Minister of the Environment invites feedback from interested parties on this notice of intent. This engagement is vital for refining the approach and ensuring the effectiveness of the registry.
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