More topics

Recycling system compliance and enforcement

Last updated on May 25, 2026

Learn how the ministry enforces compliance with B.C.'s recycling system and how you can file a complaint on non-compliance.

On this page

Monitoring

Obligated producers must:

The ministry takes a complaints-based approach with those who are not complying with the regulation.

If the ministry receives a complaint, a ministry employee contacts the obligated producer or retailer to work with them to understand their obligations.

They offer information and assistance to promote voluntary compliance. If voluntary compliance is not achieved, the complaint is escalated to the ministry's Compliance and Enforcement branch to manage.

To learn more about how compliance is assessed, review environmental compliance in B.C.

Make a complaint

If you have a complaint about a retailer not accepting beverage containers, submit a complaint to notify the ministry of a potential non-compliance issue under the Recycling Regulation by emailing ExtendedProducerResponsibility@gov.bc.ca.

Report an unregistered producer

If you have a concern that a producer may not be registered with an appropriate agency, please use one of the following forms rather than reporting your concern to the RAPP line.

There is a specific reporting form for each category under the Recycling Regulation for use by both agencies and stakeholders. Please choose the appropriate form.

Beverage container products

Beverage container products are listed in Schedule 1 and include:

  • Bottles, cans, drink boxes, plastic containers, gable top containers, bag in a box, stand-up pouches for which a recycling deposit is paid

Report a Producer for Beverage Container Products under Schedule 1.

Residual products

Residual products are listed in Schedule 2 and include:

  • Flammable liquids
  • Paint
  • Pesticides
  • Fuel and fuel containers
  • Solvents
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Lubricating oil
  • Oil filters
  • Automotive products
  • Lead Acid batteries
  • Cannisters
  • Medical sharps

Report a Producer for Residual Product Categories under Schedule 2.

Electronic, electrical and battery-containing products

Electronic, electrical and battery containing products are listed in Schedule 3 and  include:

  • Computers
  • Decorations and signs
  • Typewriters
  • Calculators
  • Copiers
  • Fax machines
  • Audio visual equipment
  • Appliances
  • Tools
  • Accessories (for example: cables, cords)
  • Lighting
  • Monitoring and control equipment
  • Vending machines
  • Medical devices
  • Batteries

Report a Producer for Electronic, Electrical and Battery-Containing Product Categories under Schedule 3.

Tire products

Tire products are listed in Schedule 4 and include tires for motor vehicles, farm tractors, trailers and other wheeled equipment or machinery.

Report a Producer for Tire Product Category under Schedule 4.

Packaging and paper products

Packaging and paper products are listed in Schedule 5 and include:

  • Packaging (for example: food containers, foil and wraps, bags, boxes)
  • Paper (for example: flyers, brochures, newspapers, paper fibre)
  • Single use products (for example: straws, utensils, cups)
  • Paper and packaging related to liquor and cannabis

Report a Producer for Packaging and Paper Product Category under Schedule 5.