Latest Developments and Key Dates for EPR Implementation in Alberta

The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations has initiated a wave of transformative changes in Alberta. EPR aims to strengthen waste reduction efforts in our province and promote responsible recycling practices. Commencing on October 2nd, 2023, the registration process for communities is well underway, while producer registration officially commenced on November 27th, 2023.

A critical milestone is fast approaching as the deadline for phase one registration for communities is set for December 31st, 2023. Communities with existing services that register for EPR before December 31, 2023, will begin receiving collection under the program on April 1, 2025. Communities registering after December 31, 2023, as well as communities currently without recycling services, will commence recycling collection services in Phase 2, starting on October 1, 2026.

We encourage all communities to register for EPR to maximize the benefits for our province. These advantages include opportunities for innovation, increased recycling rates, the development of Alberta’s circular economy, and the preservation of our environment for future generations.

Producers are reminded to complete their registration by March 1st, 2024.

More Details on EPR in Alberta

The EPR regulation encompasses two main product streams: Single-use Products, Packaging, and Paper Products (PPP), and Hazardous and Special Products (HSP). For communities registered in EPR, recycling collection services for PPP will be available to both single-family and multi-family dwellings, recycling depots, and collection events, all of which play crucial roles in the responsible disposal and recycling of HSP.

One of the primary objectives of EPR is to shift the responsibility for recycling away from local governments and taxpayers and onto the producers of recyclable materials. This transition brings several benefits:

  • For communities with existing recycling services, the costs of these services will be transferred to producers, reducing the utility or tax levies associated with waste management.
  • Communities without existing recycling services will gain access to recycling services, resulting in:
    • Waste reduction: Recycling reduces the volume of waste ending up in landfills.
    • Economic benefits: Recycling can create jobs in the recycling industry and reduce waste management costs.
    • Circularity of resources: By recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal, communities can conserve valuable resources.

The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) is overseeing the new EPR systems in Alberta. To foster engagement and knowledge-sharing, ARMA has been conducting an insightful EPR Virtual Lunch and Learn Series. This ongoing series allows stakeholders to interact with ARMA and guest presenters, ensuring they are well-informed about EPR processes. Recordings of past events and details of upcoming sessions, including the next one on December 13th, can be accessed on ARMA’s website.
 
For a comprehensive understanding of EPR’s rollout in Alberta, including detailed information and timelines, it is recommended to visit ARMA’s dedicated EPR oversight webpage.

Upcoming dates for EPR in Alberta

  • December 13, 2023: ARMA EPR Lunch and Learn Series Event – “The Mechanics of EPR: Systems, Processes and Approaches”
  • December 31, 2023: Phase I Registration Closes for Communities
  • January 10, 2024: ARMA EPR Lunch and Learn Series Event
  • February 14, 2024: ARMA EPR Lunch and Learn Series Event
  • March 1, 2024: Producer Registration Deadline
  • March 13, 2024: ARMA EPR Lunch and Learn Series Event