EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the second Tuesday in May in each year as the Provincial Day of Action on Litter.

Bill 130 2019

An Act to proclaim the Provincial Day of Action on Litter

Preamble

As of 2019, Ontario generates nearly a tonne of waste per person every year and the overall diversion rate in the province has stalled below 30 per cent since 2004. Ontario needs to reduce the amount of waste that is generated and to divert more waste from landfills through proven methods, including preventing and reducing litter in public places and waterways.

To raise awareness of the importance to a clean environment of not littering, it is appropriate to proclaim an annual Provincial Day of Action on Litter.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Definition

1 In this Act,

“litter” includes any material left or abandoned in a place other than a receptacle or place intended or approved for receiving the material.

Provincial Day of Action on Litter

2 The second Tuesday in May in each year is proclaimed as the Provincial Day of Action on Litter.

Actions encouraged

3 (1)  On every day, but particularly on the Provincial Day of Action on Litter, all Ontarians are encouraged to,

  (a)  pick up litter that they encounter in public places or waterways and dispose of it in a receptacle or place intended or approved for receiving it; and

  (b)  educate themselves about, and maintain their awareness of,

         (i)  the importance to a clean environment of complying with section 86 of the Environmental Protection Act, and

        (ii)  section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act and section 180 of the Highway Traffic Act.

Methods of acting

(2)  Individuals can undertake the actions described in subsection (1) either on their own initiative or in conjunction with groups organized by entities, such as school communities, municipalities or businesses.

Commencement

4 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

5 The short title of this Act is the Combatting Litter for the Environment and Nature Act, 2019.