As part of our shared commitment to transparency and evidence-based decision-making, Product Care has completed its annual Lab Pack Study for 2025 which informs the 2026 Lab Pack Factors. These studies help ensure that cost allocations for obligated materials are consistent and aligned with regulatory requirements. We greatly value the partnership and collaboration of municipalities in this process, and we appreciate your continued engagement as we work together to manage Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) responsibly. Below, you’ll find the background, methodology, and results that will guide reimbursement calculations to municipalities for 2026.
Background
When collecting HSP materials, it is more administratively efficient for municipalities to place hazardous products of the same waste class in the same container, regardless of whether all of the products are obligated under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in Ontario. As a result, sample studies are required to determine the proportion of collected products in the containers that represent the obligated materials as defined in the Ontario HSP regulation (O. Reg. 449/21 and its amendments).
Product Care is a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for pesticides, solvents, and paints and coatings. The obligated scope of these materials are present in the pesticide, misc. organics and aerosol container streams collected by municipalities. Each year, Product Care conducts annual sampling studies to determine the applicable portion of obligated materials collected in each of the pesticide, misc. organics and aerosols streams – called “Lab Pack Factors”.
Methodology
Our goal is to make the Lab Pack Studies as transparent, collaborative, and data-driven as possible. To achieve this, we:
- Engage a third-party auditor to conduct sampling.
- Conduct studies three times throughout the year (Spring, Summer and Fall).
- Ensure samples represent diverse geographies, population densities, and site types.
- Apply randomization for sample selection.
- Invite 1-2 municipal representatives to attend each lab pack study and review the detailed dataset and analysis for transparency and shared understanding.
The weight and details of each product in the samples of pesticide, misc. organics, and aerosol containers are recorded. Upon receiving the data, each product is analyzed against the HSP regulatory definitions to determine which products are obligated and which products are not obligated. Approximately 28,000 lines of product data were reviewed as part of the 2025 study.
Results
Below are the results of the 2025 study, which determines the Lap Pack Factors to be used in 2026:
| Lab Pack Type | 2026 Municipal Share | 2026 Product Care Share |
| Pesticides | 93.88% | 6.12% |
| Miscellaneous Organics | 95.76% | 4.24% |
| Aerosols Total | 61.02% | 38.97% |
| Aerosol Pesticides | 0.03% | |
| Aerosol Paints & Coatings | 32.32% | |
| Aerosol Solvents | 6.62% |
On December 16, 2025, Product Care met with the MWA MHSW Committee to present the results of this year’s study, and address questions regarding the data and methodology. We also extended an invitation for 1-2 municipal representatives to visit our office and review the data and study results in detail.
The 2026 lab pack factors will apply to all claims for depots and events with a pick-up date starting January 1, 2026.
We appreciate your continued partnership in managing HSP responsibly. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the results further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your collaboration and commitment to this shared effort.
Cara Babineau
Program Manager, Community Partnerships
416-479-1040