From Waste to Worth: The Role of Waste Diversion in the Green Economy is part of the Government of Ontario’s dialogue with Ontarians about how we can continue to improve waste diversion in Ontario. This report contains the findings of the government’s review of the Waste Diversion Act, 2002 (WDA) and presents proposals for changes to our waste diversion framework that are intended to foster a green and sustainable economy for the benefit of all Ontarians. Ontario’s waste diversion framework was constructed over the last 20 years and reflects our shared values that we should create less waste, and reuse and recycle the waste that we do create. Waste diversion in Ontario is increasing bit by bit. Overall, we divert 22 per cent of our waste from disposal. We are better at home, diverting about 39 per cent of our waste, while at work and play we only divert about 12 per cent. Over the past couple of years alone, programs have been put in place in Ontario for household hazardous waste, electronic waste, and used tires that will help us achieve even more diversion. Together, these new programs are keeping tens of thousands of tonnes of the most environmentally problematic materials out of our landfills and from being poured down our drains. Ontarians recognize that we can and we should be doing more to reduce waste and lower the impacts that products and packaging have on the environment. Waste should be managed appropriately and reused and recycled to the greatest extent possible. Worldwide, jurisdictions are grappling with how best to promote waste diversion and are adopting frameworks based on the principles of extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR is premised on making those who put products and packaging into the marketplace responsible for managing the waste associated with them. EPR shifts the responsibility for waste diversion to those that are best able to influence and control decisions throughout the lifecycle of a product or package. Today, we face new challenges and opportunities, such as sustainable production and consumption, efficient use of resources, and addressing climate change. Perhaps most importantly, we live in a world where Ontario is competing for investments and businesses that are new, green, and innovative. Designing our waste diversion framework to address the challenges that we face today and to encourage and harness new opportunities is essential.