B.C. currently requires many producers (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) of designated products to take responsibility for the life cycle of their products, including collection and recycling. This shifts the responsibility from local and Indigenous governments and taxpayers to the producers and consumers of products. This approach is known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and is governed by the Recycling Regulation.
 
By regulating even more products, EPR can further reduce local and Indigenous governments’ waste management costs, make recycling more accessible for consumers with province-wide collection networks, grow B.C. recycling businesses, incent innovation, and create job opportunities.
 
The purpose of this engagement in Fall 2020 was to solicit feedback on expanding EPR by including a range of select products under the Recycling Regulation and other waste reduction policy approaches to ensure that these items are managed responsibly, including:

• Mattresses
• Moderately hazardous products
• Electronic and electrical products, including electric vehicle batteries and solar equipment
• Packaging and paper products beyond residential sources

Lost or abandoned fishing gear in the marine environment is a significant source of marine pollution in B.C. Given the complex and unique challenges associated with managing lost fishing gear, this engagement also provided further opportunity for people to provide feedback on approaches to improve fishing and aquaculture gear collection and management.

For more information, please see  the Extended Producer Responsibility website.

September 14 to November 20, 2020

In total, 165 submissions were submitted from a variety of individuals, stakeholders, and key partners:

• 76 survey responses received
• 89 email comments received

Feedback will be considered as part of developing a multi-year strategy regarding potential products for inclusion in the Recycling Regulation, or other policy initiatives to minimize waste.

Read the Summary of Feedback Report for a summary of feedback received on this engagement.