The Ministry of Environment is currently consulting with stakeholders and the public on key aspects of the beverage schedule of the Recycling Regulation. The objective of the consultation process is to identify options to increase recovery rate for beverage containers in all regions of the province and improve environmental management of collected containers with the least incremental financial impact to consumers and producers. The Ministry of Environment has engaged CM Consulting of Ontario to provide support during the consultation process.
In October 2009, the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) released a Canada-wide Action Plan for EPR. The Plan aims to increase diversion and recycling of municipal solid waste by better coordinating provincial EPR programs and by extending the application of the principle of EPR as a part of Canadian waste policy. The strategy calls for a number of commitments from provinces and territories, including two lists of products to be considered for implementation within a 6 year and 8 year timeframe.
Summary report on British Columbia’s Solid Waste Flow, 2006 (PDF/281KB). Data for this summary report was obtained through regional waste management reports, data from the Statistics Canada Waste Management Industry Survey (WMIS), and numerous other provincial reports. The summary report presents a comprehensive overview of the sources, composition and end fate of solid waste in B.C. Three key sectors are measured: industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I), construction, renovation and demolition (CR&D) and residential.
Summary Document of the "Consumer Awareness Survey of Industry Led Product Stewardship Programs in British Columbia" (PDF/691 KB)
In 2009 the Ministry of Environment engaged Ipsos Reid Public Affairs to conduct an online consumer awareness survey of 1000 B.C. residents. The main purpose of conducting this survey was to gain a baseline measure of consumer awareness of Industry led Product Stewardship Programs in British Columbia. Here is a brief summary (PDF/25 KB) of a few awareness measures.
Design for Environment (DfE) Best Practices Lessons for British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment (PDF/388 KB)
In 2008 the Ministry of Environment engaged Five Winds International to research design for environment practices and identify opportunities to incorporate these practices in B.C. either by way of the Recycling Regulation or via other means.
Economic Impacts of the BC Recycling Regulation
In 2008 the Ministry of Environment engaged Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists to evaluate economic aspects of industry product stewardship programs for eight product categories regulated within the B.C. Recycling Regulation.
Who Pays What - An Analysis of Beverage Container Recovery and Costs in Canada, 2010 (PDF/4.26 MB)
Across Canada, beverage container recovery continues to emerge as a challenging and highly political issue for industry and governments. As the recycling sector has evolved so too has a range of recovery initiatives, each emphasizing their own strategic value. In assessing these initiatives it’s remarkable how varied the data is despite the common aspects of these programs — factors such as recycling performance, net costs, collection infrastructure, operating agencies, and the breakdown of who ultimately bears the costs of recovery.
Guidance Manual for Establishing, Maintaining and Improving Producer Responsibility Organizations in Canada (PDF/1.46 MB) Prepared by The Corporate Link Management Consultants for Environment Canada August 2001
Manuel d'orientation pour l'établissement, le maintien et l'amélioration des organisations à responsabilité des producteurs au Canada (PDF/2.22 MB) Préparé par The Corporate Link pour Environnement Canada
The Guidance Manual for Producer Responsibility Organizations is intended to be a working reference manual for government, industry and producer responsibility organizations that will assist in the development and improvement of PROs in Canada.
British Columbia Industry Product Stewardship Business Plan: 2002/03 - 2004/05 (PDF/301 KB)
In accordance with the commitment in the ministry's service plan to improve and expand the product reuse and recycling business approach, the ministry has reviewed its approach to industry product stewardship.
Sustainable Environment Fund
The Sustainable Environment Fund is a special B.C. Government financial account dedicated to supporting provincial environmental protection and renewal initiatives.
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