{ "schema": "instica-epr-page/1", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario", "twins": { "md": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario.md", "json": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario.json" }, "key": "J:US-MN:CA-ON", "family": "J", "locale": "en", "lang": "en-US", "title": "Minnesota vs Ontario EPR: Thresholds, Fees and Dates", "h1": "Minnesota vs Ontario EPR: Rules Compared", "description": "Minnesota vs Ontario packaging EPR compared: registration thresholds, fees per kilogram, deadlines and report formats, each from a primary source.", "answer": "Minnesota and Ontario both run packaging EPR, but the rules differ. Ontario exempts only producers below the lower revenue floor, CA$2,000,000 against $2,000,000 in Minnesota. Minnesota has the lower weight floor, 907.2 kg against 1 tonne in Ontario. Both require producers to register. Both programmes set their first annual report for May 31.", "lastVerified": "2026-11-05", "dateModified": "2026-11-05", "dataset": { "version": "v1-281284b7e7c1", "licence": "CC-BY-4.0", "licenceLine": "Reuse is allowed under CC-BY-4.0 with credit to Instica and a link to this page." }, "cite": "Instica, “Minnesota vs Ontario EPR: Rules Compared”, https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario, last verified 2026-11-05, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.", "about": [], "facts": [ { "id": "a-regime", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-regime", "leafPath": "US-MN.regime", "statement": "Minnesota: the packaging rules sit in Minnesota packaging EPR law, Minnesota Statutes sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463.", "value": "Minnesota packaging EPR law, Minnesota Statutes sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "requirements under sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-regulator", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-regulator", "leafPath": "US-MN.regulator", "statement": "Minnesota: the regulator is Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.", "value": "Minnesota Pollution Control Agency", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) confirmed CAA’s registration to implement the state’s EPR program.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-obligated", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-obligated", "leafPath": "US-MN.obligated", "statement": "Minnesota places an obligation on packaging producers.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "Producers must be a member of a PRO that is registered with MPCA by July 1, 2025.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-registration", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-registration", "leafPath": "US-MN.registration", "statement": "Minnesota: producers must register through Producer joins a PRO; the PRO registers with the MPCA.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "Producers must be a member of a PRO that is registered with MPCA by July 1, 2025.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-organisation", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-organisation", "leafPath": "US-MN.organisation", "statement": "Minnesota organises producer responsibility through a single producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance; membership is required.", "value": "single_pro", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20261016213413/https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/mpca-confirms-registration-of-minnesotas-initial-packaging-producer-responsibility-organization", "quote": "the MPCA confirmed Circular Action Alliance (CAA) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, producer-led organization — as Minnesota’s initial PRO.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-hierarchy-primary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-hierarchy-primary", "leafPath": "US-MN.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary", "statement": "Minnesota: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer, brand licensee, brand owner and importer (2024).", "value": "manufacturer > licensee > brand_owner > importer", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "\"Producer\" means the following person responsible for compliance with requirements", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-threshold-de-minimis-tonnage", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-threshold-de-minimis-tonnage", "leafPath": "US-MN.thresholds[de_minimis_tonnage]", "statement": "Minnesota threshold on tonnage: 1 short ton; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "1 short ton", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "introduced less than one ton of covered material into this state", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-threshold-de-minimis-revenue", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-threshold-de-minimis-revenue", "leafPath": "US-MN.thresholds[de_minimis_revenue]", "statement": "Minnesota threshold on revenue: $2,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "$2,000,000", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "earned global gross revenues of less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-exemption-de-minimis-producer", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-exemption-de-minimis-producer", "leafPath": "US-MN.exemptions[de_minimis_producer]", "statement": "Minnesota exemption: A de minimis producer introduced under one ton or earned under $2,000,000 in global gross revenue in its most recent fiscal year. It does not have to be applied for.", "value": "de_minimis_producer", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "\"De minimis producer\" means a person that in their most recent fiscal year", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-pro-registration-first", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-pro-registration-first", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[pro_registration_first]", "statement": "Minnesota: registration date July 1, 2026.", "value": "July 1, 2026", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1443", "quote": "The producer responsibility organization must register with the commissioner by July 1, 2026, and each January 1 thereafter", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-simplified-report-2026", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-simplified-report-2026", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[simplified_report_2026]", "statement": "Minnesota: report date May 31, 2026.", "value": "May 31, 2026", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "CAA requires producers to provide simplified reporting by May 31, 2026", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-needs-assessment", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-needs-assessment", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[needs_assessment]", "statement": "Minnesota: other date December 31, 2026.", "value": "December 31, 2026", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "December 31, 2026 Full Needs Assessment Due.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-plan-due", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-plan-due", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[plan_due]", "statement": "Minnesota: other date October 1, 2028.", "value": "October 1, 2028", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1451", "quote": "By October 1, 2028, and every five years thereafter, a producer responsibility organization must submit a stewardship plan", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-net-cost-50", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-net-cost-50", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[net_cost_50]", "statement": "Minnesota: payment date February 1, 2029.", "value": "February 1, 2029", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "quote": "no less than 50 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2029", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-net-cost-75", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-net-cost-75", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[net_cost_75]", "statement": "Minnesota: payment date February 1, 2030.", "value": "February 1, 2030", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "quote": "no less than 75 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2030", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-deadline-net-cost-90", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-deadline-net-cost-90", "leafPath": "US-MN.deadlines[net_cost_90]", "statement": "Minnesota: payment date February 1, 2031.", "value": "February 1, 2031", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "quote": "no less than 90 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2031, and each year thereafter", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-penalty-0", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-penalty-0", "leafPath": "US-MN.penalties.items[0]", "statement": "Minnesota penalty for violation of sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463: up to $25,000 per day.", "value": "$25,000", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1462", "quote": "civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 per day of violation", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-materials", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-materials", "leafPath": "US-MN.applicability", "statement": "Minnesota: materials covered is packaging, paper products.", "value": "packaging,paper_products", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "Packaging does not include exempt materials.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-products", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-products", "leafPath": "US-MN.applicability", "statement": "Minnesota: product classes covered is packaging, paper.", "value": "packaging,paper", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "Packaging does not include exempt materials.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-excluded", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-excluded", "leafPath": "US-MN.applicability", "statement": "Minnesota: excluded from scope is exempt materials.", "value": "exempt_materials", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "Packaging does not include exempt materials.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-channels", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-channels", "leafPath": "US-MN.applicability", "statement": "Minnesota: sales channels addressed is physical retail, remote sale, other distribution.", "value": "physical_retail,remote_sale,other_distribution", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "Packaging does not include exempt materials.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-ph-primary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-ph-primary", "leafPath": "US-MN.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary", "statement": "Minnesota: producer duty: primary packaging is manufacturer; licensee; brand_owner; importer.", "value": "manufacturer,licensee,brand_owner,importer", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "\"Producer\" means the following person responsible for compliance with requirements", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "a-scope-ex1", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#a-scope-ex1", "leafPath": "US-MN.exemptions[0]", "statement": "Minnesota: exemption 1 is A de minimis producer introduced under one ton or earned under $2,000,000 in global gross revenue in its most recent fiscal year.", "value": "A de minimis producer introduced under one ton or earned under $2,000,000 in global gross revenue in its most recent fiscal year.", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "\"De minimis producer\" means a person that in their most recent fiscal year", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-regime", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-regime", "leafPath": "CA-ON.regime", "statement": "Ontario: the packaging rules sit in Full producer responsibility for Blue Box material (packaging, paper products, packaging-like products) under the Blue Box Regulation.", "value": "Full producer responsibility for Blue Box material (packaging, paper products, packaging-like products) under the Blue Box Regulation", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/", "quote": "Blue Box producers became fully accountable and financially responsible for collecting and recycling their materials when consumers discard them.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-11-03", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-regulator", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-regulator", "leafPath": "CA-ON.regulator", "statement": "Ontario: the regulator is Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA).", "value": "Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA)", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Unless otherwise stated, all information must be submitted through RPRA’s registry.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-obligated", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-obligated", "leafPath": "CA-ON.obligated", "statement": "Ontario places an obligation on packaging producers.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if they supply Blue Box material (packaging, paper products or packaging-like products) comprised of paper, glass, metal or plastic", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-registration", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-registration", "leafPath": "CA-ON.registration", "statement": "Ontario: producers must register through RPRA Registry.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Within 30 days of supplying obligated Blue Box materials in Ontario", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-organisation", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-organisation", "leafPath": "CA-ON.organisation", "statement": "Ontario organises producer responsibility through more than one producer responsibility organisation; membership is not required.", "value": "multiple_pros", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "PROs operate in a competitive market, and producers can choose the PRO (or PROs) they want to work with.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-transfer", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-transfer", "leafPath": "CA-ON.transfer_rules", "statement": "Ontario allows a producer’s obligation to be transferred to another party.", "value": true, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Producers have the choice of working with one or more producer responsibility organizations (PROs) registered with RPRA", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-revenue-scope", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-revenue-scope", "leafPath": "CA-ON.revenue_scope", "statement": "Ontario measures revenue as regional revenue in CAD, over the calendar year.", "value": "regional", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Any producer whose gross annual Ontario revenue from products and services is less than $2,000,000 is exempt from all producer requirements under the regulation.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-other", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-other", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.other", "statement": "Ontario: at the other packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer, seller and online marketplace (2023).", "value": "brand_owner > importer > seller > marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-primary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-primary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary", "statement": "Ontario: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer, seller and online marketplace (2023).", "value": "brand_owner > importer > seller > marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-secondary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-secondary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.secondary", "statement": "Ontario: at the secondary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer, seller and online marketplace (2023).", "value": "brand_owner > importer > seller > marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-service", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-service", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.service", "statement": "Ontario: at the service packaging level the producer hierarchy names the seller (2023).", "value": "seller", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-shipping", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-shipping", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.shipping", "statement": "Ontario: at the shipping packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer, seller and online marketplace (2023).", "value": "brand_owner > importer > seller > marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-hierarchy-tertiary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-hierarchy-tertiary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.tertiary", "statement": "Ontario: at the tertiary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer, seller and online marketplace (2023).", "value": "brand_owner > importer > seller > marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-revenue-exemption", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-revenue-exemption", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[revenue_exemption]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on revenue: CA$2,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "CA$2,000,000", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "is exempt from all producer requirements under the regulation.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-paper", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-paper", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_paper]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 9 tonnes; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "9 tonnes", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Paper 9,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-rigid-plastic", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-rigid-plastic", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_rigid_plastic]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 2 tonnes; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "2 tonnes", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Rigid plastic 2,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-flexible-plastic", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-flexible-plastic", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_flexible_plastic]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 2 tonnes; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "2 tonnes", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Flexible plastic 2,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-glass", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-glass", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_glass]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 1 tonne; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "1 tonne", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Glass 1,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-metal", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-metal", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_metal]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 1 tonne; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "1 tonne", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Metal 1,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-threshold-supply-exempt-beverage-containers", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-threshold-supply-exempt-beverage-containers", "leafPath": "CA-ON.thresholds[supply_exempt_beverage_containers]", "statement": "Ontario threshold on tonnage: 1 tonne; effect: exempt below the threshold.", "value": "1 tonne", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Beverage containers 1,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-exemption-revenue-based", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-exemption-revenue-based", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[revenue_based]", "statement": "Ontario exemption: Producers with gross annual Ontario revenue under 2,000,000 dollars are exempt from all producer requirements. It does not have to be applied for.", "value": "revenue_based", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Any producer who meets the exemption must keep any records that demonstrate its gross annual Ontario revenue is less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-exemption-supply-based", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-exemption-supply-based", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[supply_based]", "statement": "Ontario exemption: Producers above the revenue level but below the per-category supply weights are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education, but still register and report. It does not have to be applied for.", "value": "supply_based", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "the producer is required to register and report.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-exemption-newspaper", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-exemption-newspaper", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[newspaper]", "statement": "Ontario exemption: Producers whose newspaper supply is more than 70 percent of their total Blue Box weight are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education. It does not have to be applied for.", "value": "newspaper", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "newspaper must account for more than 70% of their total weight of Blue Box materials supplied to consumers in Ontario in a calendar year.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-deadline-supply-report-2026", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-deadline-supply-report-2026", "leafPath": "CA-ON.deadlines[supply_report_2026]", "statement": "Ontario: report date May 31, 2026, covering calendar year 2025.", "value": "May 31, 2026", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Deadline: Supply data must be submitted by May 31 of each year.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-deadline-performance-report", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-deadline-performance-report", "leafPath": "CA-ON.deadlines[performance_report]", "statement": "Ontario: report date May 31, 2026, covering calendar year 2025.", "value": "May 31, 2026", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Deadline: Performance reporting is due May 31 of each year.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-materials", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-materials", "leafPath": "CA-ON.applicability", "statement": "Ontario: materials covered is paper, glass, metal, plastic, other.", "value": "paper,glass,metal,plastic,other", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Under the Blue Box Regulation, consumers are individuals who use a product and its packaging for personal, family or household purposes.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-products", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-products", "leafPath": "CA-ON.applicability", "statement": "Ontario: product classes covered is primary packaging, secondary packaging, shipment packaging, other.", "value": "primary_packaging,secondary_packaging,shipment_packaging,other", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Under the Blue Box Regulation, consumers are individuals who use a product and its packaging for personal, family or household purposes.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-excluded", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-excluded", "leafPath": "CA-ON.applicability", "statement": "Ontario: excluded from scope is producers under revenue exemption, newspaper producers for collection management and promotion.", "value": "producers_under_revenue_exemption,newspaper_producers_for_collection_management_and_promotion", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Under the Blue Box Regulation, consumers are individuals who use a product and its packaging for personal, family or household purposes.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-channels", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-channels", "leafPath": "CA-ON.applicability", "statement": "Ontario: sales channels addressed is retail, wholesale, online, online marketplace.", "value": "retail,wholesale,online,online_marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Under the Blue Box Regulation, consumers are individuals who use a product and its packaging for personal, family or household purposes.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-primary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-primary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.primary", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: primary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace.", "value": "brand_owner,importer,seller,marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-secondary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-secondary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.secondary", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: secondary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace.", "value": "brand_owner,importer,seller,marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-tertiary", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-tertiary", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.tertiary", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: tertiary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace.", "value": "brand_owner,importer,seller,marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-shipping", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-shipping", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.shipping", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: shipping packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace.", "value": "brand_owner,importer,seller,marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-service", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-service", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.service", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: service packaging is seller.", "value": "seller", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ph-other", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ph-other", "leafPath": "CA-ON.producer_hierarchy.levels.other", "statement": "Ontario: producer duty: other packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace.", "value": "brand_owner,importer,seller,marketplace", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-categories", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-categories", "leafPath": "CA-ON.categories", "statement": "Ontario: reporting categories is 7, material category.", "value": 7, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "beverage container, glass, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, metal, paper, and certified compostable products and packaging", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-targets", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-targets", "leafPath": "CA-ON.targets", "statement": "Ontario: published targets is paper_management_requirement 80 by 2027-12-31; rigid_plastic_management_requirement 50 by 2027-12-31; flexible_plastic_management_requirement 10 by 2027-12-31; glass_management_requirement 75 by 2027-12-31; metal_management_requirement 67 by 2027-12-31; beverage_container_management_requirement 75 by 2027-12-31.", "value": 6, "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Management requirement = A × B", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ex1", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ex1", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[0]", "statement": "Ontario: exemption 1 is Producers with gross annual Ontario revenue under 2,000,000 dollars are exempt from all producer requirements.", "value": "Producers with gross annual Ontario revenue under 2,000,000 dollars are exempt from all producer requirements.", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "Any producer who meets the exemption must keep any records that demonstrate its gross annual Ontario revenue is less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ex2", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ex2", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[1]", "statement": "Ontario: exemption 2 is Producers above the revenue level but below the per-category supply weights are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education, but still register and report.", "value": "Producers above the revenue level but below the per-category supply weights are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education, but still register and report.", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "the producer is required to register and report.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "b-scope-ex3", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#b-scope-ex3", "leafPath": "CA-ON.exemptions[2]", "statement": "Ontario: exemption 3 is Producers whose newspaper supply is more than 70 percent of their total Blue Box weight are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education.", "value": "Producers whose newspaper supply is more than 70 percent of their total Blue Box weight are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education.", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "quote": "newspaper must account for more than 70% of their total weight of Blue Box materials supplied to consumers in Ontario in a calendar year.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "calc-revenue", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#calc-revenue", "leafPath": "calc.J.revenue[US-MN:CA-ON]", "statement": "The lowest revenue exemption is $2,000,000 in Minnesota and CA$2,000,000 in Ontario ($1,430,820 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). Ontario therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Minnesota but still in scope in Ontario.", "value": "CA-ON", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "earned global gross revenues of less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "calc-mass", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#calc-mass", "leafPath": "calc.J.mass[US-MN:CA-ON]", "statement": "The lowest weight exemption is 907.2 kg of packaging in Minnesota and 1 tonne in Ontario, about 1.1 times as much in Ontario as in Minnesota. A seller whose packaging falls between the two lines is exempt in Ontario but counted in Minnesota.", "value": "US-MN", "unit": "kg", "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "quote": "introduced less than one ton of covered material into this state", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "calc-registration", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#calc-registration", "leafPath": "calc.J.registration[US-MN:CA-ON]", "statement": "Both programmes require a producer to register, in Minnesota and in Ontario.", "value": "same", "unit": null, "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "Producers must be a member of a PRO that is registered with MPCA by July 1, 2025.", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } }, { "id": "calc-report-date", "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario#calc-report-date", "leafPath": "calc.J.report-date[US-MN:CA-ON]", "statement": "The first annual report date is the same on both sides, May 31.", "value": "same", "unit": "days", "pending": false, "source": { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "quote": "CAA requires producers to provide simplified reporting by May 31, 2026", "quoteLang": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "label": null } } ], "sections": [ { "id": "answer", "heading": null, "kind": "answer", "markdown": "\n\nMinnesota and Ontario both run packaging EPR, but the rules differ. Ontario exempts only producers below the lower revenue floor, CA$2,000,000 against $2,000,000 in Minnesota. Minnesota has the lower weight floor, 907.2 kg against 1 tonne in Ontario. Both require producers to register. Both programmes set their first annual report for May 31." }, { "id": "glance", "heading": "Minnesota and Ontario side by side", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Minnesota and Ontario side by side\n\n4 of 9 rows have a verified figure on each side of Minnesota and Ontario; a cell reads “not yet published” when a side has none, and an exemption row reads “none recorded; see thresholds” when no exemption is on record.\n\n**Minnesota and Ontario: the measures both programmes publish**\n\n| Measure | Minnesota | Ontario | Stricter |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Registration duty | Required | Required | Same |\n| Producer organisation | one producer responsibility organisation | more than one producer responsibility organisation | Not comparable |\n| Lowest revenue exemption | $2,000,000 | CA$2,000,000 | Ontario |\n| Lowest weight exemption | 907.2 kg | 1 tonne | Minnesota |\n| First annual report date | May 31 | May 31 | Same |\n| Published penalties | 1 published | not yet published | Not comparable |\n| Report file | csv | csv | Not comparable |\n| Paper fee, cheapest matched rate | not yet published | not yet published | Not comparable |\n| Plastic fee, cheapest matched rate | not yet published | not yet published | Not comparable |\n\nThe lowest revenue exemption is $2,000,000 in Minnesota and CA$2,000,000 in Ontario ($1,430,820 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). Ontario therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Minnesota but still in scope in Ontario.\n\nThe lowest weight exemption is 907.2 kg of packaging in Minnesota and 1 tonne in Ontario, about 1.1 times as much in Ontario as in Minnesota. A seller whose packaging falls between the two lines is exempt in Ontario but counted in Minnesota.\n\nBoth programmes require a producer to register, in Minnesota and in Ontario.\n\nThe first annual report date is the same on both sides, May 31." }, { "id": "programme", "heading": "Who runs the programme in Minnesota and Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Who runs the programme in Minnesota and Ontario\n\nWho collects and who the producer files with, in Minnesota and then Ontario.\n\n**Minnesota and Ontario: how each programme is set up**\n\n| Aspect | Minnesota | Ontario |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Regime | Minnesota packaging EPR law, Minnesota Statutes sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463 | Full producer responsibility for Blue Box material (packaging, paper products, packaging-like products) under the Blue Box Regulation |\n| Regulator | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency | Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) |\n| Producers obligated | Yes | Yes |\n| Registration | Required, Producer joins a PRO; the PRO registers with the MPCA | Required, RPRA Registry |\n| Producer organisation | one producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance; membership required | more than one producer responsibility organisation; membership optional |\n| Transfer of responsibility | not yet published | Allowed |\n| Revenue counted as | not yet published | regional revenue, CAD, calendar year |\n| Who counts as the producer | primary: manufacturer, brand licensee, brand owner, importer | other: brand owner, importer, seller, online marketplace; primary: brand owner, importer, seller, online marketplace; secondary: brand owner, importer, seller, online marketplace; service: seller; shipping: brand owner, importer, seller, online marketplace; tertiary: brand owner, importer, seller, online marketplace |\n\n> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Minnesota: the rules on transferring responsibility. Reason: No transfer or delegation rule was found in the definition read.\n\n> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Minnesota: how revenue is counted. Reason: Revenue scope for the producer threshold was not read beyond the de minimis definition.\n\nThe two programmes are organised differently. Minnesota uses one producer responsibility organisation; Ontario uses more than one producer responsibility organisation. For a seller in both, that usually means two different counterparties, two different sign-up routes and two different sets of terms to read before the first report is due." }, { "id": "scope", "heading": "What Minnesota and Ontario cover, side by side", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## What Minnesota and Ontario cover, side by side\n\nEach row below is one published feature of the two programmes; a cell reads “not yet published” when Minnesota or Ontario has no verified entry for it in the dataset.\n\n**Scope, producer duties, categories, labelling and targets, Minnesota and Ontario**\n\n| Aspect | Minnesota | Ontario |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Materials covered | packaging, paper products | paper, glass, metal, plastic, other |\n| Product classes covered | packaging, paper | primary packaging, secondary packaging, shipment packaging, other |\n| Excluded from scope | exempt materials | producers under revenue exemption, newspaper producers for collection management and promotion |\n| Sales channels addressed | physical retail, remote sale, other distribution | retail, wholesale, online, online marketplace |\n| Producer duty: primary packaging | manufacturer; licensee; brand_owner; importer | brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace |\n| Exemption 1 | A de minimis producer introduced under one ton or earned under $2,000,000 in global gross revenue in its most recent fiscal year. | Producers with gross annual Ontario revenue under 2,000,000 dollars are exempt from all producer requirements. |\n| Producer duty: secondary packaging | not yet published | brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace |\n| Producer duty: tertiary packaging | not yet published | brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace |\n| Producer duty: shipping packaging | not yet published | brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace |\n| Producer duty: service packaging | not yet published | seller |\n| Producer duty: other packaging | not yet published | brand_owner; importer; seller; marketplace |\n| Reporting categories | not yet published | 7, material category |\n| Published targets | not yet published | paper_management_requirement 80 by 2027-12-31; rigid_plastic_management_requirement 50 by 2027-12-31; flexible_plastic_management_requirement 10 by 2027-12-31; glass_management_requirement 75 by 2027-12-31; metal_management_requirement 67 by 2027-12-31; beverage_container_management_requirement 75 by 2027-12-31 |\n| Exemption 2 | not yet published | Producers above the revenue level but below the per-category supply weights are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education, but still register and report. |\n| Exemption 3 | not yet published | Producers whose newspaper supply is more than 70 percent of their total Blue Box weight are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education. |" }, { "id": "thresholds", "heading": "Thresholds and exemptions in Minnesota and Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Thresholds and exemptions in Minnesota and Ontario\n\nEvery verified threshold Minnesota and Ontario publish, as each states it.\n\n**Verified thresholds in Minnesota and Ontario**\n\n| Place | Measure | Amount | Effect | Basis as published |\n| --- | --- | ---: | --- | --- |\n| Minnesota | packaging tonnage | 1 short ton | exempt below | covered material introduced, most recent fiscal year |\n| Minnesota | revenue | $2,000,000 | exempt below | global gross revenue, most recent fiscal year |\n| Ontario | revenue | CA$2,000,000 | exempt below | gross annual Ontario revenue from products and services |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 9 tonnes | exempt below | paper supplied in Ontario per year (9,000 kg) |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 2 tonnes | exempt below | rigid plastic supplied in Ontario per year (2,000 kg) |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 2 tonnes | exempt below | flexible plastic supplied in Ontario per year (2,000 kg) |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 1 tonne | exempt below | glass supplied in Ontario per year (1,000 kg) |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 1 tonne | exempt below | metal supplied in Ontario per year (1,000 kg) |\n| Ontario | packaging tonnage | 1 tonne | exempt below | beverage containers supplied in Ontario per year (1,000 kg) |\n\nMinnesota exemption: A de minimis producer introduced under one ton or earned under $2,000,000 in global gross revenue in its most recent fiscal year. It does not have to be applied for.\n\nOntario exemption: Producers with gross annual Ontario revenue under 2,000,000 dollars are exempt from all producer requirements. It does not have to be applied for.\n\nOntario exemption: Producers above the revenue level but below the per-category supply weights are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education, but still register and report. It does not have to be applied for.\n\nOntario exemption: Producers whose newspaper supply is more than 70 percent of their total Blue Box weight are exempt from collection, management and promotion and education. It does not have to be applied for.\n\nRead the basis column first: the same amount can exempt a producer in one programme and only simplify its report in another.\n\nThe lowest revenue exemption is $2,000,000 in Minnesota and CA$2,000,000 in Ontario ($1,430,820 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). Ontario therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Minnesota but still in scope in Ontario.\n\nThe lowest weight exemption is 907.2 kg of packaging in Minnesota and 1 tonne in Ontario, about 1.1 times as much in Ontario as in Minnesota. A seller whose packaging falls between the two lines is exempt in Ontario but counted in Minnesota." }, { "id": "rates", "heading": "Fees per kilogram for shared materials", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Fees per kilogram for shared materials\n\nNeither Minnesota nor Ontario has a verified per-kilogram fee schedule in the dataset yet. Until both sides publish per-kilogram rates for the same material class, a fee comparison between Minnesota and Ontario would mean inventing a figure, and this page does not do that.\n\n> **Not yet published**: Minnesota: no verified per-kilogram fee schedule is in the dataset yet.\n\n> **Not yet published**: Ontario: no verified per-kilogram fee schedule is in the dataset yet." }, { "id": "deadlines", "heading": "Deadlines in Minnesota and Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Deadlines in Minnesota and Ontario\n\nEach verified date, with the period it covers when one is given.\n\n**Verified deadlines in Minnesota and Ontario**\n\n| Place | Kind | Date | Covers |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Minnesota | registration | July 1, 2026 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | report | May 31, 2026 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | other | December 31, 2026 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | other | October 1, 2028 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | payment | February 1, 2029 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | payment | February 1, 2030 | not yet published |\n| Minnesota | payment | February 1, 2031 | not yet published |\n| Ontario | report | May 31, 2026 | calendar year 2025 |\n| Ontario | report | May 31, 2026 | calendar year 2025 |\n\n> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Ontario: the performance audit date. Reason: The page says the audit starts in 2027 but gives no day. 31 May is assumed only because performance reports are due then; confirm.\n\nThe first annual report date is the same on both sides, May 31." }, { "id": "penalties", "heading": "Penalties in Minnesota and Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Penalties in Minnesota and Ontario\n\nWhat each side has published; a side without an amount says so.\n\nMinnesota penalty for violation of sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463: up to $25,000 per day.\n\n> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Ontario: penalty amounts. Reason: Amounts sit in the Administrative Penalties Regulation, which was not read. Nothing is recorded rather than guessed." }, { "id": "formats", "heading": "Report formats in Minnesota and Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Report formats in Minnesota and Ontario\n\nHow the report file for Minnesota compares with the one for Ontario.\n\n**Report file layouts for Minnesota and Ontario**\n\n| Aspect | Minnesota | Ontario |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Layout | Minnesota interim producer supply report by material class 2026-09-29 (interim, built from CAA guidance) | Ontario Blue Box supply report (working layout) Working layout, sources reviewed 2026-11-04 |\n| Recipient | Circular Action Alliance (Minnesota PRO) | Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) |\n| How it is submitted | CAA producer portal. The customer signs in and submits. | RPRA Registry (online). The customer signs in and enters or submits. |\n| File type | csv | csv |\n| Encoding | utf-8 | utf-8 |\n| Delimiter | , | , |\n| Decimal separator | . |\n| Columns | 4 | 4 |\n| Required columns | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 |\n| Weight unit | lb | kg |\n| Period basis | calendar year | calendar year |\n\n> **Not yet published**: Minnesota: the programme’s own report specification is not yet published. Reason: The PRO says Minnesota material reporting categories are not defined, and the draft plan is not expected until 2027. Only the simplified interim reporting exists, and it is portal-only. The layout above is Instica’s working layout.\n\n> **Not yet published**: Ontario: the programme’s own report specification is not yet published. Reason: The field list is published: the Blue Box supply report is entered on screen in the RPRA Registry, supply weight in kilograms in seven material categories for the previous calendar year, with a Brand Supply List upload (CSV UTF-8) and an executive attestation. Instica's file is its own working worksheet by Instica category and does not yet reproduce the seven categories, so its figures are for the customer to enter in the Registry. The layout above is Instica’s working layout.\n\nThe two layouts share a file type and a delimiter, but each programme names its own columns and categories, so one file cannot be sent to both programmes. Each report is built from the same underlying measurements and exported separately." }, { "id": "choose", "heading": "Which to plan for first, Minnesota or Ontario", "kind": "body", "markdown": "\n\n## Which to plan for first, Minnesota or Ontario\n\nCheck the exemption thresholds before anything else. Ontario reaches smaller sellers than Minnesota, so a seller that is exempt in Minnesota may still have to register in Ontario." }, { "id": "faq", "heading": "Questions about comparing these two programmes", "kind": "faq", "markdown": "\n\n## Questions about comparing these two programmes\n\n### Is Minnesota or Ontario stricter on packaging EPR?\n\nOntario exempts only producers below the lower revenue floor, CA$2,000,000 against $2,000,000 in Minnesota. Minnesota has the lower weight floor, 907.2 kg against 1 tonne in Ontario. Both require producers to register. Both programmes set their first annual report for May 31.\n\n### Do I register in both Minnesota and Ontario?\n\nMinnesota requires producers to register. Ontario requires producers to register.\n\n### How do the fees per kilogram compare in Minnesota and Ontario?\n\nThe dataset does not hold per-kilogram rates for the same material class on both sides, so this page does not compare fees.\n\n### Which deadline comes first, Minnesota or Ontario?\n\nThe first annual report date is the same on both sides, May 31." }, { "id": "estimate", "heading": "How these figures are made", "kind": "boilerplate", "markdown": "\n\n## How these figures are made\n\n> **Estimate**: Instica measures, estimates and prepares. Every figure on this page is read from a sourced record or computed from one, and each carries its data quality. Converted amounts are approximate and name the exchange rate used. The customer signs and submits each report; Instica never stores regulator login details and never files on your behalf. This page is general information about published rules; confirm your own position with a qualified adviser." } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "requirements under sections 115A.144 to 115A.1463", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) confirmed CAA’s registration to implement the state’s EPR program.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Producers must be a member of a PRO that is registered with MPCA by July 1, 2025.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20261016213413/https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/mpca-confirms-registration-of-minnesotas-initial-packaging-producer-responsibility-organization", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-11-05", "status": "verified", "quote": "the MPCA confirmed Circular Action Alliance (CAA) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, producer-led organization — as Minnesota’s initial PRO.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "\"Producer\" means the following person responsible for compliance with requirements", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "introduced less than one ton of covered material into this state", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "earned global gross revenues of less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "\"De minimis producer\" means a person that in their most recent fiscal year", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1443", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "The producer responsibility organization must register with the commissioner by July 1, 2026, and each January 1 thereafter", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "CAA requires producers to provide simplified reporting by May 31, 2026", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/minnesota", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "December 31, 2026 Full Needs Assessment Due.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1451", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "By October 1, 2028, and every five years thereafter, a producer responsibility organization must submit a stewardship plan", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "no less than 50 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2029", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "no less than 75 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2030", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1455", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "no less than 90 percent of the net cost by February 1, 2031, and each year thereafter", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1462", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 per day of violation", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.1441", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Packaging does not include exempt materials.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-11-03", "status": "verified", "quote": "Blue Box producers became fully accountable and financially responsible for collecting and recycling their materials when consumers discard them.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Unless otherwise stated, all information must be submitted through RPRA’s registry.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "if they supply Blue Box material (packaging, paper products or packaging-like products) comprised of paper, glass, metal or plastic", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Within 30 days of supplying obligated Blue Box materials in Ontario", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "PROs operate in a competitive market, and producers can choose the PRO (or PROs) they want to work with.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Producers have the choice of working with one or more producer responsibility organizations (PROs) registered with RPRA", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Any producer whose gross annual Ontario revenue from products and services is less than $2,000,000 is exempt from all producer requirements under the regulation.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "if the retailer who would be the producer is a marketplace seller, the marketplace facilitator is the obligated producer", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "is exempt from all producer requirements under the regulation.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Paper 9,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Rigid plastic 2,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Flexible plastic 2,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Glass 1,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Metal 1,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Beverage containers 1,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Any producer who meets the exemption must keep any records that demonstrate its gross annual Ontario revenue is less than $2,000,000", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "the producer is required to register and report.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "newspaper must account for more than 70% of their total weight of Blue Box materials supplied to consumers in Ontario in a calendar year.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Deadline: Supply data must be submitted by May 31 of each year.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Deadline: Performance reporting is due May 31 of each year.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Under the Blue Box Regulation, consumers are individuals who use a product and its packaging for personal, family or household purposes.", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "beverage container, glass, flexible plastic, rigid plastic, metal, paper, and certified compostable products and packaging", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://rpra.ca/programs/blue-box/regulation/producers/", "label": null, "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29", "status": "verified", "quote": "Management requirement = A × B", "quoteLang": null }, { "url": "https://www.bankofcanada.ca/valet/observations/FXAUSDCAD/json", "label": "Bank of Canada, FXAUSDCAD (annual average 2025)", "retrievedAt": "2026-10-22", "status": "verified", "quote": null, "quoteLang": null } ], "breadcrumbs": [ { "name": "Packaging EPR", "url": "https://instica.com/epr" }, { "name": "Compare EPR between states: Compare packaging EPR between jurisdictions", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare" }, { "name": "Minnesota vs Ontario EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario" } ], "related": [ { "heading": "Part of", "links": [ { "anchor": "Minnesota EPR", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/minnesota" } ] }, { "heading": "Explore packaging EPR", "links": [ { "anchor": "United States packaging EPR: 7 jurisdictions", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/united-states" } ] }, { "heading": "Related pages", "links": [ { "anchor": "Minnesota vs Saskatchewan EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-saskatchewan" }, { "anchor": "Minnesota vs Spain EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-spain" }, { "anchor": "Minnesota vs United Kingdom EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-uk" }, { "anchor": "Netherlands vs Oregon EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/netherlands-vs-oregon" }, { "anchor": "New Brunswick vs Nova Scotia EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/new-brunswick-vs-nova-scotia" }, { "anchor": "New Brunswick vs Québec EPR: Rules Compared", "url": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/new-brunswick-vs-quebec" } ] } ], "alternates": [ { "hreflang": "en-US", "href": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario" }, { "hreflang": "x-default", "href": "https://instica.com/epr/compare/minnesota-vs-ontario" } ] }