If you're buying things like rust remover or compact fluorescent bulbs at stores around the city, you might be charged eco fees, depending on where you shop.

Canadian Tire used to be among the retailers passing on the fees to consumers, but not anymore, according to Mike Arnett, president of Canadian Tire Retail.

In a letter to consumers released today, the company said the charge has become inconsistent and confusing, and it has decided to absorb the fees for now. Canadian Tire has requested that Stewardship Ontario and the environment minister revise the program so it makes more sense.

Safely recycling toxic materials like rust remover or camping fuel is important so we don't have toxic waste seeping into our landfills and environment," Arnett said the letter. But the company "can no longer support passing along a recycling fee to customers that has inconsistencies between products and is difficult to explain."

Some retailers have added eco fees up to $6.66 to cover the cost of safe recycling of products such as fertilizer, bleach and fire extinguishers.

Dalton McGuinty's government and the independent Stewardship Ontario, which helped developed the charge, are pointing fingers at each other. Surprise, surprise.

Photo by gbalogh of the blogTO Flickr pool.