Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Recycling Project

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.