Advancing recycling in B.C.

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

On this page

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Action Plan (2021 to 2026)
• Implementing the Action Plan
• Actions completed
• Adding more moderate risk products
• Supporting a circular economy

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:

• 2020 Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions Paper (PDF, 425KB)
• 2021 Recycling Regulation Consultation: Summary of Feedback Report (PDF, 541KB)

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

Learn more about these amendments:

• Explanatory Note: Changes to the Deposit Refund System (PDF, 177KB)

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

Learn more about these amendments:

• Explanatory Note: Adding More Single-use Items and Packaging Product (PDF, 166KB)

Adding more moderate risk products

As of October 2025, the ministry added more moderate risk products to the Recycling Regulation.

The new product categories include:

•  Automotive products designed for use in the maintenance or repair of a vehicle
• Compressed canisters and aerosols, such as:
  • Single-use fuels
  • Bear spray
  • Sealants
  • Adhesives
  • CO₂ canisters for beverages
  • Fire extinguishers, and
  • Propane tanks
• Electronic, electrical and battery-containing products, such as:
  • Signs
  • Decorations
  • Extension cords
  • Vapes
  • Electronic cigarettes
  • Clothing
  • Generators, and
  • Power stations
• Large 12-volt consumer batteries
• Medical Sharps used at home

EPR programs for these new products will be implemented in stages starting in 2027.

Learn more about these amendments:

• Approved Amendments to the Recycling Regulation (PDF, 622KB)
• Explanatory Note: Automotive Products and Compressed Canisters (PDF, 308KB)
• Explanatory Note: Products Containing Batteries (PDF, 325KB)
• Explanatory Note: Large Battery (PDF, 260KB)
• Explanatory Note: Medical Sharp Products (PDF, 239KB)

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.

Learn more about the circular economy:

• Zero waste and the circular economy