Stewardship Ontario is a private, not-for-profit organization that develops, funds and operates Ontario’s highly successful recycling programs for printed paper and packaging (Blue Box) and household hazardous or special waste (Orange Drop).

Stewardship Ontario was established under the Waste Diversion Act, 2002 and incorporated under the Corporations Act (Ontario) in 2003. The organization receives no funding from government or taxpayers. Stewardship Ontario is designated in legislation as an “Industry Funding Organization” in order to make it clear that it is the responsibility of industry to fund stewardship programs for various wastes.

Stewardship Ontario is accountable to Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO), a non-crown corporation established for the purpose of managing waste diversion programs in conjunction with Industry Funding Organizations such as Stewardship Ontario. The WDO must meet a series of targets from waste diversion to financial performance. Stewardship Ontario’s annual report provides detailed performance results along with an audited financial statement for public review.

Stewardship Ontario is governed by a 16-member board of directors and includes a staff of 35.