BC Adding More Products to Recycling Program Including Solar Panels and EV Chargers

September 23, 2021

Electric-vehicle batteries, mattresses, single-use fuel canisters and fire extinguishers are among the products that will be eligible for provincewide recycling as part of a five-year plan to advance recycling in British Columbia.

Other items to be added to British Columbia’s Recycling Regulation and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy include more electronic products such as solar panels, more types of lithium-ion batteries, electric-vehicle chargers and e-cigarettes.

“Expanding the number of recyclable products will mean convenient, free collection of those products and a cleaner environment for British Columbians,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Adding to the product list will reduce the waste that’s now being sent to the landfill or illegally dumped in back alleys or green spaces. This will protect our environment and boost our economy through an increase in recycling operations and re-manufacturing.”

Under the EPR Five-Year Action Plan, the changes will be phased in to give producers time to set up the necessary systems. The Province recognizes the need for timely action and will work with its partners to accelerate proposed timelines where possible. 

EPR requires producers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, including collection and recycling. This shifts the costs and responsibility from local and Indigenous governments and taxpayers to the producers and consumers of products. Since 2004, the Province has regulated through EPR residential packaging and paper, beverage containers, numerous electronics, light bulbs, tires, automotive oil, antifreeze and paint.

Regulating more products under EPR is one part of the new action plan, which builds on British Columbia’s leadership in preventing waste, reclaiming more materials and growing the circular economy. The ministry will also explore how to regulate the recycling of more packaging and paper products beyond residential sources, such as from businesses, stadiums, shopping malls and universities. British Columbia would be the first jurisdiction in North America to do so.  

B.C.’s EPR strategy recovers $46-million worth of materials annually and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The strategy generates an estimated $500 million annually through recycling programs, and collects approximately 315,000 tonnes of plastic from bottles, packaging and electronics.

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