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By rdnewsNOW Staff

SHIFTING BURDEN TO THE PRODUCER

Extended Producer Responsibility launches in Alberta

Mar 31, 2025 | 4:49 PM

As April 1 dawns, Alberta’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program will come into effect, shifting the onus of recycling single-use products from municipalities to producers.

By making producers responsible for the products they create, EPR encourages them to find ways to redesign packaging to reduce waste.

“This new system will keep more waste out of landfills while saving communities and taxpayers money. And we’re doing it without creating more work or costs for Albertans or making them change their recycling habits,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

The government says the EPR program covers thousands of different single-use products, packaging and paper, along with hazardous and special products like batteries or pesticides.

“By working with industry, municipalities and provincial partners, we’ve created a made-in-Alberta EPR solution that helps advance our priority of responsible waste management,” commented Ed Gugenheimer, CEO, Alberta Recycling Management Authority. “We’re grateful for the strong support of the Government of Alberta as we work together to grow our province’s circular economy through EPR.”

As of April 1, most municipalities, including all major Alberta cities, will operate under EPR. Some municipalities require more transition time and will join EPR in July, while a small number communities will join in 2026, some of which will be receiving recycling service for the first time in their history.

This centralized, standardized and streamlined recycling program is expected to reduce costs and save taxpayers money, with municipalities like Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge already indicating that recycling fees can be lowered.

“The province made a wise decision with EPR. It is a big win for the economy, the environment, and a splendid example of how we achieve great things when municipalities and the province work together. Calgarians will see the benefits immediately in their blue cart fees, but all over Alberta people will get clearer recycling rules and less waste in their landfills. This is only the beginning of the good it will do,” shared Peter Demong, councillor, Ward 14, Calgary.

Albertans reportedly send 1,034 kilograms per person of waste to landfills annually, which officials say is greater than any other Canadian jurisdiction. The national average is 710 kilograms.

As of March 19, the government reports that 99 per cent of all curbside recycling contracts are in place for the April 1 start date.