ChemTRAC
What is ChemTRAC?
Chemicals are used and released from businesses in our community, from our daily activities and from some of the products in our homes. Evidence links many chemicals to short-term health effects like respiratory problems, and longer-term impacts such as cancer.
As part of ChemTRAC, the Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Bylaw (Municipal Code Chapter 423) (PDF) requires facilities and businesses in the City of Toronto to annually report on the use, manufacture and release of any of the priority substances listed in the bylaw.
A facility must report any amount equal to or above the threshold level for the chemicals as set out in the bylaw.
What is the ChemTRAC Toolkit?
This toolkit it specifically designed to help small and medium-sized businesses track and report the chemicals they use and release to the City of Toronto’s ChemTRAC program. To work well, the toolkit requires businesses to take overall responsibility for the chemicals they purchase and use.
GreenTbiz, has developed a ChemTRAC educational and support program for the small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) in the City of Toronto. As part of the program, greenTbiz has developed a toolkit to enhance the compliance of the bylaw by the SME sector.
The toolkit complements the more extensive guidance document Guide to Reporting (PDF), provided by the City of Toronto. It is recommended that you review the Environmental Reporting and Disclosure Bylaw. You can find a copy of the bylaw in Appendix B of the Toolkit.
Why use the Toolkit?
The toolkit provides step by step guidelines to help your business stay within governmental compliance. The following benefits may be realized through utilization of this toolkit:
- Reduced worker exposure to toxics
- Lower material feed costs
- Lower waste disposal costs
- Green your products – satisfy consumer demand and gain a competitive advantage
- May reduce uses to less than reporting thresholds, further saving time and resources
Download the ChemTRAC Fact Sheet (PDF)
Download the ChemTRAC Toolkit for Small and Medium Sized Businesses (PDF)
Who to Contact
For more information, feel free to reach out to us at greenTbiz at info@greentbiz.org or you can contact the City of Toronto staff directly to answer technical inquiries about the Environmental and Disclosure Bylaw and the ChemTRAC program:
Telelphone: 3-1-1 or 416-392-2489
Email: chemtrac@toronto.ca
Staff are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.