Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts the physical and financial burden of collecting, sorting, processing and recycling waste to the producer and away from local governments and taxpayers.

For example, this means that municipalities that are currently operating curbside recycling programs will no longer be responsible for the financial costs of those programs and, in some instances, will not operate them at all. The producers of the recyclable products will step in and cover the costs and operations.

This program presents several positive opportunities for Alberta. First, it will enhance the recycling rates of products across the province as producers will take responsibility for recycling the products they create—meaning fewer products end up in our landfills.

It will also work to catalyze Alberta’s circular economy, as products that previously ended up in the waste are redirected and recycled into new products to be used again and again. This means more job creation, more economic investment, and larger economies.

Finally, it lessens the burden on municipalities and taxpayers that are currently covering the cost of recycling products, including batteries, pesticides, and materials that are designated as flammable, corrosive, or toxic (with the official symbols) and includes containers and products.

British Columbia and Ontario have implemented successful EPR programs. British Columbia first launched an EPR program in 2004 and has seen tremendous success as it has gradually increased the types of products included in the framework. Ontario first implemented its program in 2019, and similar to BC, it has worked to increase the products captured in the framework.

As ARMA works to design and implement an EPR framework for Alberta, they’re considering the approaches taken in BC and Ontario to help shape a made-in-Alberta solution that works for the nuances and needs of Alberta’s industries and recycling landscape.

After seeing the success of programs in other jurisdictions and the opportunity to enhance Alberta’s circular economy, the Government of Alberta made the announcement that the province will be implementing an EPR process. To support the implementation, ARMA was announced as the oversight body supporting the Government of Alberta.

ARMA is accountable to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, and must provide business plans, reports, and audited financial statements to the Minister annually, as well as notice of changes to its bylaws.

Click here to view the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Agreement on Administration and Oversight with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (PDF).

Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation came into effect on November 30, 2022. The government and ARMA recognize it will take time for producers to develop their EPR systems, including considerations for collection and material management.

Most producers will be required to provide verification of collection and management plans to the ARMA by April 1, 2024. EPR systems for Phase I PPP and HSP will be operational by April 1, 2025. Additional key dates in the implementation process can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/regulated-extended-producer-responsibility-programs.aspx.

EPR consists of single-use products, packaging and paper products (PPP) and hazardous and special products (HSP, which currently includes batteries, pesticides, and materials that are designated as flammable, corrosive, or toxic (with the official symbols). The specifics of EPR are in development, and we are working with the Government of Alberta to establish the various bylaws associated with the programs, registration processes and timelines. You can find some further information on EPR, including the regulation, here: https://www.alberta.ca/regulated-extended-producer-responsibility-programs.aspx

No, this program creates greater opportunity for producers to have the opportunity to reuse products previously created as more recyclable products will be returned for a second life. While we recognize that the transition to an EPR program will impact current operations, it is a positive step forward for Albertans, our environment and our industries.

For Albertans that utilize a depot to recycle or recycle via curbside pick-up, the changes will be minimal through the implementation process. Albertans that live in municipalities that currently do not offer a curbside recycling program will have access to a curbside program starting in Phase II of the EPR rollout, meaning that more Albertans will have the opportunity to recycle right at their doorstep. 

Single-family dwelling collection every two (2) weeks is the minimum level of service set in the regulation. A municipality would negotiate their contract with the PRO for the service level that they require. 

No, while ARMA takes on this additional responsibility in partnership with the Government of Alberta, no other stewardship programs will be affected by the introduction of EPR.

Additional information can be found on the Government of Alberta’s website or on the ARMA website. Once the EPR framework is fully established, municipalities and producer responsibility organizations (PROs) will be responsible for public information.

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