Advancing recycling in B.C.

Last updated on December 17, 2024

Learn more about the Extended Producer Responsibility Action Plan and how it helps advance recycling in B.C.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Action Plan (2021 to 2026)

The Extended Producer Responsibility 5-Year Action Plan (PDF, 3MB) (the action plan) outlines B.C.'s priorities to advance as a leader in EPR and waste prevention.

Key initiatives under the action plan include:

Adding more products to the Recycling Regulation
Developing policy options to prevent waste from packaging, including plastics and paper from the non-residential (industrial, commercial and institutional) sectors.

To learn more, visit preventing waste outside the home.

The action plan was developed by consulting with key partners and interested parties.

To learn more about the public engagement process and results, review:

Implementing the Action Plan

Implementing the action plan will hold producers accountable for managing products covered by the Recycling Regulation, including collection and recycling.

When new products are added to the Regulation, producers will be given necessary time to create recycling systems that are convenient for British Columbians.

Actions completed

Expansion of the deposit-refund system

From 2020 to 2022, the deposit refund system was expanded to reduce the number of containers disposed in landfills, including:

Changing the minimum refundable deposit on all beverage containers to 10 cents
Covering all beverage containers, including milk and milk substitutes

Review more about these amendments:

Adding more single-use and packaging products

As of January 1, 2023, the Recycling Regulation covers more single-use items and packaging products.

For example:

Stir sticks, straws and utensils
Party supplies, such as paper streamers, pinwheels and pinatas
Sandwich and freezer bags
Cardboard moving boxes

Review more about these amendments:

Work underway

The ministry is preparing changes to the Recycling Regulation under the action plan that would introduce new products, such as:

Mattresses
More moderately hazardous products, including medical sharps, compressed canisters and more consumer products containing batteries

Supporting a circular economy

Expanding EPR is a key component to support B.C.’s transition to a circular economy.

In a circular economy:

Waste is prevented by designing products that are durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable
Resources are repaired, reused, recycled and used at their highest value.
Materials are kept out of landfills to eliminate waste and pollution.

To learn more about B.C.’s commitment to working towards a circular economy, review the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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