Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Recycling Project

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In October 2022, the Government of Alberta introduced EPR regulations under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. These regulations shift the financial responsibility for recycling from municipalities to producers. The program includes two streams:

  • PPP – Single-use products, packaging and printed paper products
    • Paper, including newspapers, packaging, cardboard
    • Plastics
    • Metal and glass
  • HSP – Hazardous and special products
    • Flammable, corrosive and toxic consumer products
    • Batteries under 5kg

History

At the December 18, 2023 Committee of the Whole Council meeting, Camrose City Council directed Administration to register the City for Phase 1 of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. These financial

In October 2022, the Government of Alberta introduced EPR regulations under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. These regulations shift the financial responsibility for recycling from municipalities to producers. The program includes two streams:

  • PPP – Single-use products, packaging and printed paper products
    • Paper, including newspapers, packaging, cardboard
    • Plastics
    • Metal and glass
  • HSP – Hazardous and special products
    • Flammable, corrosive and toxic consumer products
    • Batteries under 5kg

History

At the December 18, 2023 Committee of the Whole Council meeting, Camrose City Council directed Administration to register the City for Phase 1 of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. These financial details are confidential and cannot be shared in public Council meetings. Since registering, Administration has attended numerous workshops, webinars, and meetings hosted by the Province of Alberta, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), PROs, and other relevant organizations.

The PROs will not be taking over the daily operations of local recycling facilities. Instead, they intend to contract with municipalities or service providers to operate these facilities. Under EPR regulations, all materials collected will be owned by the PROs, who will also be responsible for marketing the recycled materials. Because a small number of PROs will manage a large volume of materials across the province, there is a better chance of finding competitive markets for the recyclables, which means less material ends up in landfills.

Phase 1 of the program is set to begin on April 1, 2025. If Camrose moves forward, the City would begin receiving revenue from the PROs - money paid by producers - which could help cover recycling expenses, including public education efforts. The City would also be eligible to expand its recycling services in Phase 2, with the option to introduce curbside recycling collection for residential properties starting in October 2026. Any revenue received through the EPR program could potentially be used to reduce fees charged to residents.

The City could choose to continue collecting recyclable materials from non-residential sources, such as businesses, institutions, or industrial sites. However, those materials must be kept separate from EPR-eligible residential materials. Continuing non-residential recycling could bring significant long-term costs for operations and equipment at the Recycle Depot, including the need to replace the current cardboard baler.

Administration has kept Council and the public informed through regular updates at Council meetings. They’ve also maintained ongoing communication with Centra Cam’s leadership to explore various EPR options and evaluate the possible effects on the existing Recycle Depot facility. The City will also continue working with Centra Cam and explore other opportunities to support them simultaneously with the community’s recycling needs.

  • Phase 1 - Short term Contract PPP options - July 1, 2025, through October 1, 2026

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    At the January 6 Committee of the Whole Meeting, Administration outlined a number of options for Council’s consideration. Those options included:

    • Changes to how EPR PPP materials are collected at the Recycle Depot (Option 1)
    • Leaving the City’s recycling program as is (Option 2)
    • Only collecting EPR materials and stop collecting non-residential recyclable materials (Option 3)

    Of the three options, Option 1 provided the best balance between all impacted areas from this decision (impact to City residents and Centra Cam), while still considering ongoing and future infrastructure replacement and maintenance, and the City’s overall budget. This also allows for a longer transition to how EPR PPP materials are collected and sorted, particularly if the City were to participate in Phase 2 of the EPR program (i.e. curbside recyclable collections).

    For all three options, Administration worked with Centra Cam and Circular Materials to determine the anticipated impact on City revenues and expenses, which are summarized below:

    Option 1 – EPR loose collection (Recommended)

    		 Option 2 – As Is Option 3 – EPR Only
    Summary

    Start the transition, while maintaining/increasing the current level of service

    		 Depot remains As Is collection and processing Only EPR materials, all non-EPR allocated to other facilities
    Service for EPR materials Two large bins for bulk collection EPR materials must be separated into nine bins Large bins for bulk collection
    Service for Non-EPR materials As Is As Is No longer Accepted
    City Revenue 2025 $384,146 $540,146 $80,000
    City Expenses 2025 $461,000 $725,000 $147,625
    Deficit ($76,854) ($184,854) ($67,625)

    Community Impact Minimal disruption to residents and non-residents

    Level of service for residential users increases as material sorting is significantly reduced (9 bins becomes 2)    		 Minor change to residents and non-residents for cardboard separation

    Removal of recycling fee ($3/month)

    Moderate disruption to residents
    - Easier PPP sorting
    - New location for stewardship
    - Loss of lighting

    Major disruption to non-residential
    - No local option for PPP
    - New location for stewardship
    Impact to City Operations

    Baler costs would continue but lessen for Repairs of the baler


    Baler replacement would depend on extent of non-residential use

    Cardboard Baler costs would continue (ongoing repairs and future replacement of baler still required)

    		 Much of the site would become available for other potential uses
    Impact to City Budget

    EPR funding would cover the staff for EPR


    Bins to be provided and managed by the PRO


    Significant Operation costs decrease due to the transition of PPP materials


    Continued funding of non-EPR materials

    EPR Funding based on market rates would fund 60% of the EPR material costs the remaining 40% to be funded by the City


    Continued funding of non-EPR materials


    		 Minimal budget required as even Admin time is included within the contract with the PRO for management, advertising, public engagement, and public education


    At the January 6 meeting, Council directed Administration to negotiate a contract with Circular Materials for the period of July 2025 through September 2026 on the basis of Option 1.

  • EPR Project Update - March 24, 2025

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    EPR Products, Packaging and Paper Contract
    Council confirms the City’s intent to participate in the Products, Packaging and Paper (PPP) branch of the EPR program. To transition smoothly, the City will enter a short-term contract (April 1 – June 30, 2025) with Circular Materials to continue current recycling depot operations through Centra Cam. This contract ensures no major changes in depot operations while covering collection, sorting, and sale of recyclable materials, with costs covered through EPR funding. A second, longer contract (July 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026) will be addressed later to expand the program.

    EPR Hazardous and Special Products Contract
    Council confirms the City’s intent to participate in the Hazardous and Special Products branch of the EPR program. The City will be sending a letter jointly with Product Care, to the Extended Producer Responsibility regulator (Alberta Recycling Management Authority) requesting a two-year exemption regarding the construction of a permanent Hazardous and Special Products depot. In the meantime, the City plans to continue its current system of collecting household hazardous waste twice a year through a contract with Product Care, which will help cover some costs.

    EPR Hazardous and Special Products Battery Contract
    Council approves a contract with Call2Recycle to handle battery recycling. This would cover sorting, processing, packaging, and shipping batteries under the EPR program.

Page published: 05 May 2025, 09:55 AM