Mark Youden
Partner
Article
In 2024, Canadian governments and non-governmental organizations continued to develop innovative product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (“EPR”) programs aimed at reducing waste destined for landfills. These initiatives cover a broad range of product categories, including tires, batteries, electronics, hazardous and special products (“HSP”), and packaging and printed paper (“PPP”).
This article is the latest installment of Gowling WLG's ongoing bi-annual series that provides an overview of current developments in Canadian product stewardship and EPR programs.[1]
This review provides updates on new and expanded initiatives, outlines key timelines, and highlights the shift from product stewardship to EPR models in the latter half of 2024. The article also offers a high-level look at emerging EPR and stewardship initiatives expected in early 2025.
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The EPR systems for PPP and HSP will be operational for registered communities by April 1, 2025.[7]
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Upcoming changes
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Recent developments
In Canada, product stewardship and EPR programs continue to grow in number and scope. Companies must stay on top of these developments to maintain compliance (and to avoid the increasingly heavy enforcement actions available to regulators).
Gowling WLG will continue to monitor the evolution of product stewardship and EPR programs in Canada and publish bi-annual updates of important changes. If you have questions about your company's obligations under these programs, we encourage you to contact any member of our experienced environmental law team.
[1] Please see some of our previous bi-annual updates: "Canadian product stewardship and EPR: A review of 2022 and beyond"; "Canadian product stewardship and EPR: 2023 summer update"; and "Canadian product stewardship and EPR: A review of 2023 and beyond".
[2] Government of British Columbia, Preventing Waste Outside the Home: Public Engagement.
[3] Electronics Designation Amendment Regulation, Alberta Regulation 146/2024.
[4] ARMA, E-Pilot Stewardship: the Electronics Recycling Program is Permanently Expanding to Include E-Pilot Material.
[5] ARMA Connect, Registration.
[6] ARMA, Single-Use Products, Packaging and Paper Products; Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, Alta Reg 194/2022.
[7] Alberta Government, Regulated Extended Producer Responsibility Systems – Regulation and timelines.
[8] MMSW, Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Plan (April 12, 2024).
[9] SK Recycles, Transitioning to Full EPR.
[10] Government of Saskatchewan, Summary of Proposed Change - SK Electronic Equipment Regulations; The Electronic Equipment Stewardship Regulations, RRS c E-10.22 Reg 6.
[12] Ontario Government, Amendments to four producer responsibility regulations for tires, batteries, electrical and electronic equipment, and hazardous and special products (December 19, 2024).
[14] Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, SO 2016, c 12, Sch 1.
[15] Administrative Penalties, O Reg 558/22.
[17] Bill 81, An Act to amend various provisions relating to the environment, 43rd Leg, 1st Sess.
[18] Designated Materials Regulation, NB Reg 2024-37.
[19] Product Care Recycling, New Brunswick: Public Review of Draft Amendments to the Designated Materials Regulation.
[20] Designated Materials Regulation, NB Reg 2024-37, Part 7.
[21] Divert NS, Producers of Recyclable Waste.
[22] Call2recycle, Call2Recycle launches its new provincial battery recycling program in Nova Scotia.
[23] Materials Stewardship and Recycling Regulations, PEI Reg EC349/14.
[24] Call2Recycle, Regulatory Update – Yukon.
[25] Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, OIC 2024/19.
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