Products Stewardship Programs

In British Columbia, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) (formerly referred to as Industry Product Stewardship) is an environmental policy approach in which the producer's responsibility for reducing environmental impact and managing the product is extended across the whole life cycle of the product, from selection of materials and design to its end-of-life. (Ministry of Environment).

Product Stewardship Updates

January 2010 - Summary of Current and Upcoming B.C. Product Stewardship Programs

March 2010 - British Columbia's Recycling Handbook

All eight of B.C.'s existing stewardship agencies have partnered to produce an informational handbook. British Columbia's Recycling Handbook provides valuable information about all products that fall under the Recycling Regulation. It identifies the stewards, the products, any fees that may apply, what products are recycled into, contact information, and most importantly where to take products to ensure they are recycled responsibly.

A flipbook web version or pdf file can be accessed here.

Current Programs

BC Used Oil Management Association

BCUOMA is a not-for-profit organization open to all brand-owners of lubricating oil, oil filters and oil containers in British Columbia.

Collection Facilities
Program Brochure
Ambassador Program

Brewers Association of Canada

Established in 1943, the Brewers Association of Canada is a voluntary association of 17 brewers from coast to coast that represents 98% of the beer brewed in Canada.

The Brewers Association of Canada works with its members, governments, stakeholders and the public to progressively improve the marketplace for beer while, encouraging the responsible use of beer and the protection of the environment.

Electronics Stewardship Association of BC

Electronics Stewardship Association of British Columbia (ESABC) is a member based, not-for-profit association comprised of the major producers and retailers of electronic products in British Columbia. It is responsible to the Province for implementing and operating sustainable end-of-life solutions for BC's electronic waste. ESABC selected Encorp Pacific (Canada) as its Program Manager given its operational experience and established infrastructure. ESABC's electronics
recycling program is delivered to the citizens of BC, by Encorp Pacific under the brand Return-ItTM Electronics.

Public Consultation - Invitation to Comment on ESABC Stewardship Plan February 15, 2009 Amendmends (March 11, 2009)

ESABC Open Letter to Members (October 28, 2008)

Encorp Pacific Canada

Encorp is a not-for-profit stewardship corporation that aims to develop and manage a consumer-friendly and cost-effective system to recover non-alcohol beverage containers from consumers.

Return-It Locations
Return-It Electronics Program
Return-It Beverage Program
Return-It Milk Program

Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association

The Post Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association (PCPSA) was formed to respond to government and environmental issues relating to the efficient collection and safe disposal of leftover medicines returned by the public in provinces having regulations requiring industry stewardship programs.

Participating Pharmacies
Program Brochure
Program Poster

Product Care

Product Care is a not-for-profit industry sponsored association that manages environmental stewardship programs for paint, flammable liquids, domestic pesticide and gasoline.

Product Care Depots
Product Care Program Brochure
Medications Return Program

Recycle My Cell

Recycle My Cell was created and is maintained by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite service providers as well as companies that develop and produce products for the industry.