Feedback to a policy intentions paper shows broad support for adding more products to the list of items included in British Columbia’s Recycling Regulation to reduce waste and to promote a cleaner environment.

This includes products like mattresses and household hazardous wastes.

A public engagement in the fall of 2020 asked for feedback on expanding the Extended Producer Responsibility Program to reduce waste and ensure more products are managed responsibly. Respondents included individuals, local governments, Indigenous Nations, producers, recyclers, waste management companies, environmental groups and others. They provided feedback on a range of items, including:

• mattresses
• electronic products, including electric-vehicle batteries
• packaging and paper products beyond residential sources
• moderately hazardous products, such as single-use compressed gas cannisters, fire extinguishers, and additional paints, sealers and adhesives.

B.C. is a leader in North America in regulating products under the EPR program, which requires producers to take responsibility for the life cycle of their products including collection and recycling. This shifts the costs and responsibility from British Columbians and local and Indigenous governments to the producers and consumers of products, promotes a cleaner environment and continues to advance the circular economy in B.C.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is reviewing the responses to the intentions paper as it develops a multi-year strategy for EPR, including changes to the Recycling Regulation.  

Lean More:

Read the Summary of Feedback Report here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/121/2021/06/Recycling-Regulation-Policy-Intentions-Paper-Summary-of-Feedback-Report-FINAL.pdf