First phase of EPR scheme launching in Alberta

On April 1, nonprofit producer responsibility organization (PRO) Circular Materials will launch the first phase of an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products in the Canadian province of Alberta. To celebrate the milestone of bringing an enhanced recycling system to the province, the PRO was joined by government officials, business and industry leaders at the city of Edmonton’s Kennedale East Facility March 31.

According to Toronto-based Circular Materials, EPR represents a fundamental change in which producers fully fund and manage the end-of-life cycle for their paper and packaging products, and enables innovation, operational efficiencies and encourages more efficient use of materials.

“We are proud to reach this important milestone in collaboration with our producers, key partners and stakeholders,” Circular Materials CEO Allen Langdon says. “Significant efforts have brought us to this point, and we will continue this momentum to enhance recycling systems across the province. Circular Materials will carry forward the important progress municipalities and communities have made in advancing the circular economy. We look forward to delivering an EPR program that strengthens environmental outcomes and meets the needs of all Albertans.”

Since the Alberta Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation was approved in October 2022, Circular Materials says it has been collaborating with producers, the Alberta government, Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) and communities and municipalities to prepare for the shift to EPR.

“This new system will keep more waste out of landfills while saving communities and taxpayers money,” says Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s minister of environment and protected areas. “And we’re doing it without creating more work or costs for Albertans or making them change their recycling habits.”

Ed Gugenheimer, CEO of ARMA, says that with the first phase of EPR implementation underway, the organization is grateful to its partners for their commitment to pursuing responsible waste management practices.

“By working together, we’ve created a made-in-Alberta EPR solution that we’re confident will advance sustainability in our province,” Gugenheimer adds.

The shift to full EPR in Alberta will happen in two phases:

• Phase 1 includes more than 200 communities, including 45 communities where Circular Materials says it immediately will begin direct management of recycling services, and more than 150 communities that will continue to manage recycling collection as a service provider to Circular Materials, such as the city of Edmonton.
• Phase 2 will launch in October 2026 for the communities that did not have existing recycling services as of November 30, 2022.

“The city of Edmonton is looking forward to working with Circular Materials to serve residents in this new era of recycling in our province,” says Chris Fowler, acting branch manager of waste services for the city of Edmonton. “Through this new model, our residents can continue to expect the same high-quality recycling services, while the costs of recycling will be shifted to the producers of the recyclable material.

“Now that Circular Materials—as a representative of those producers—covers these costs, residents are seeing lower utility rates without impacts to service or our environmental goals.”

Circular Materials says the shift of curbside recycling services will be “seamless” and residents should not expect major changes. The organization adds that it is committed to maintaining and enhancing the recycling services available to Albertans for packaging and paper products, with the goal of improving recycling rates and advancing the circular economy.