Recycling programs in Canada began in the 1980s when environmental groups were being established along with the founding of the Green Party. At this time, medium- and large-sized municipalities began to implement curbside collection and recycling programs. These local governments managed the responsibility. The programs were funded with property taxes and fees.
As the population increased, so did the amount of solid waste. According to the federal government, the total amount of solid waste generated in Canada was 36.5 million tonnes in 2022. Of this, only 27.1 per cent from all sources (residential and non-residential) was diverted. Disposal of solid waste by landfilling is detrimental to the environment and surrounding communities. Current focus in the circular economy seeks to save valuable resources from landfill by reusing, recycling and composting efforts. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs have changed the Canadian waste management landscape by shifting recycling responsibilities to manufacturers.
EPR requires producers (i.e. brand owners, importers or manufacturers) to be responsible for end-of-life management of their products. According to BSI Group, more than 60 countries have adopted EPR schemes, which include sectors such as packaging, electronics and batteries. Both EPR and product stewardship programs exist in Canada. EPR programs allocate responsibilities of end-of-life management and funding to producers whereas stewardship programs are the responsibility of the provincial, territorial or municipal governments with funding from environmental fees and/or public funds. EPR programs reduce landfilling by supporting waste reduction, encouraging reuse and improving recycling through producer initiatives to change packaging design and materials. Producers commonly form a producer responsibility organization (PRO) for collection and recycling or disposal of end-of-life products. Funding for EPR programs can be gathered from a point-of-sale fee or incorporated into the product’s price.
Provincial control
In Canada, EPR packaging regulations are determined by the provinces and territories. Launched in British Columbia in May 2014, Recycle BC was the first full EPR program in North America. In January 2026, Ontario transitioned from Blue Box stewardship program to EPR with Circular Materials as the PRO. Quebec chose Éco Entreprises Québec as their PRO in 2022. Alberta’s EPR program for single-use products, packaging and paper products was implemented in April 2025. Saskatchewan has a Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Plan that initiates a shift to full EPR program. Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba Packaging and Printed Paper Program Plan is in the process of transitioning to a full EPR program. New Brunswick is transitioning to EPR with Circular Materials as the PRO. The EPR program in Nova Scotia for packaging, paper products and packaging-like products was launched in December 2025. EPR regulation for packaging and paper products was introduced in Yukon in January 2024.
At the national level, Canada has introduced the Federal Plastics Registry (FPR) to support the Zero Plastic Waste goal and to provide data on plastics in the Canadian market. The FPR collects information from companies on the quantity and type of plastics from manufacturing to end-of-life. This data monitors progress and identifies future opportunities for the reduction of plastic waste. The initial reporting deadline was September 29, 2025, for plastics placed in the market in 2024.
EPR policies for packaging create a consistent and expanded material list within each province or territory. This creates collection and processing efficiencies by economies of scale and provides clarity to consumers on recycling practices. Producers are incentivized to reduce packaging material, incorporate recycled content, and to choose recyclable design and materials to reduce EPR fees. The success of Canadian EPR programs depends on the successful integration of technological innovation and change in consumer behaviour to realize the full benefits of improved waste diversion.
Carol Zweep is an associate with PAC Global, a not-for-profit advisor for its members.
This column was originally published in the Apr./May 2026 issue of Food in Canada.
