ECO FEES AT A STORE NEAR YOU

Yesterday's K-W Record carries this story. Apparently retail stores are allowed to charge eco fees on certain products to cover the money they pay to Stewardship Ontario who ensure the environmentally safe disposal of these products. Many retail stores factor in these costs although they are "hidden" to the consumer. Others clearly mark these eco fees on their cash register receipts and finally others are able to absorb those costs. The government has set up a hotline ( 1-800-889-9768) for consumers who wish to confirm that the eco fees they've been charged are indeed legitimate. The latest new round of eco fees have been temporarily suspended in an attempt to allow retailers to fix the image problem they may have with consumers. Personally I favour the principle at least that the cost of an item should cover all costs especially final disposal costs. Clearly these costs escalate for items like tires, batteries , solvents, inks and dyes etc..