Extended Producer Responsibility

Last updated on September 10, 2021

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an approach to recycling that requires producers, such as manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to take responsibility for the life cycle of the products they sell, including:

  • Collection, such as curbside collection or collection depots
  • Recycling the packaging and products they collect

Producers often come together to form agencies that operate recycling programs on their behalf.


On this page:


B.C.’s EPR approach

  • Promotes the design of more easily recyclable packaging and products
  • Makes recycling more accessible for consumers with province-wide collection networks
  • Results in less waste and higher rates of recycling
  • Makes producers responsible for funding their recycling programs
  • Reduces local and Indigenous governments’ waste management costs

To find out more about how recycling programs operate in B.C., visit EPR plans and annual reports.


EPR initiatives and the Recycling Regulation

Read more about EPR initiatives and changes to the Recycling Regulation:


Recyclable products

Learn more about recycling these products:

Find out where to recycle in B.C.


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