A Major Milestone: Alberta Introduces EPR Legislation
On November 15th, Alberta took an important and exciting step forward for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in our province by tabling new legislation to approve its introduction to Alberta.
If passed, Bill 83 (Environmental Protection and Enhancement Amendment Act) sets the foundation for the implementation of an EPR Framework in 2022. An EPR framework would create provincial systems for managing single-use plastics, packaging, paper products and hazardous and special products like household pesticides and solvents.
After years of advocating and creating awareness about this critical policy tool, the RCA is thrilled about this important step. EPR is a key mechanism for building a Circular Economy and captures the private sector’s ability to innovate, resulting in better products and systems, and better environmental performance.
“EPR is a critical and proven step in accelerating our transition to a circular economy, keeping valuable materials out of landfills while driving investment in our province, bolstering economic activity, creating jobs and saving taxpayer dollars. It creates the conditions for innovation and leadership, empowering producers to design products with less environmental impacts and positioning our province as Canadian leaders in waste prevention and recycling.”
Christina Seidel, Executive Director, Recycling Council of Alberta
The public is invited to provide comments and additional input to help inform Alberta’s EPR framework by Dec. 15.
Read the Government of Alberta news release and watch the news conference.
In the News
Alberta Tables Bill to Pave Way for Extended Producer Responsibility Recycling Rules
Alberta’s government has taken one step closer to a system that would hold manufacturers responsible for recycling their products. If passed, Bill 83, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Amendment Act, introduced in the legislature Monday, would open the door for an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework in the province in spring 2022.
The Homestretch with Doug Dirks, Jenny Howe
The Alberta government is introducing new legislation that will shift the cost of recycling from taxpayers and local governments to companies. Producers would be responsible for recycling costs of single-use plastics, packaging, paper products and hazardous materials, such as batteries and pesticides. Christina Seidel with the Recycling Council of Alberta, explains
New Legislation Aims to Improve Alberta’s Waste Management Approach
New provincial legislation is aiming to strengthen Alberta’s waste management approach to help create jobs and keep plastics in the economy instead of creating environmental waste.
