The Waste Diversion Act provides the legislative framework under which Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) - a permanent, non-government corporation - operates. Waste Diversion Ontario is made up of representatives and is operated by a board of directors which is made up of industry, municipal, and non-governmental representatives.

Under the Waste Diversion Act the Minister of the Environment designates waste materials for which programs may be required. These include:

• Blue Box waste (printed paper and packaging)
• Used tires
• Waste electrical and electronic equipment
• Municipal hazardous or special waste. 

For each waste diversion program, WDO creates a sustainable funding method based on fees paid by Industry Funding Organizations (IFOs) established by WDO under the Waste Diversion ACt. Each program must state industry fees to be charged, estimated costs for the program, waste diversion targets and implementation details. WDO is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the program.

The Waste Diversion Act also details the enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance.