Whereas the Province has enacted legislation under the Environmental Management Act and the Recycling Regulation to require Extended Producer Responsibility Plans stewardship programs for PPP Packaging and Printed Paper from residential sources only; And whereas local governments collect solid waste and recyclables including PPP from all sectors including residents and industrial, commercial, and institutional ICI entities; And whereas opportunities for recycling by the ICI sector in rural BC are limited or non-existent due to their distance from large urban areas; And whereas that lack of recycling opportunities results in either the PPP products being landfilled or local governments stepping in to provide an ICI recycling service, both scenarios resulting in the financial burden for handling ICI-generated PPP on all taxpayers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to amend Recycling Regulation 4492004 to include the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector in the requirement for Extended Producer Responsibility Plans for Packaging and Printed Paper.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy The Ministry greatly appreciates local government support of the Recycling Regulation the regulation and the desire to expand the regulation to include ICI packaging. This regulation is an important part of British Columbias work towards zero waste and supporting a circular economy. B.C. is proud of being a leader in North America for Extended Producer Responsibility EPR programs with more programs having higher capture rates than any other North American jurisdiction. The Ministry has been focused on pursuing continuous improvement with our 22 existing EPR programs, and will consider expanding B.C.s EPR programs as part of our commitment to the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment Canada-Wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility. This plan identifies several product categories for future inclusion in EPR programs, including ICI packaging and printed paper. Local government engagement in EPR programs is paramount to continuing the strong legacy of EPR in B.C. The Ministry will continue to engage with local government as work progresses on further strengthening current programs, while beginning to prioritize options for future program expansion.