RECYCLING COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Contact our HOTLINE: 604-RECYCLE (732-9253) in Lower Mainland or
1-800-667-4321 (rest of BC) or e-mail at hotline@rcbc.bc.ca
Wondering where to recycle a certain material? Search our Recyclepedia!
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).
Updates | EPR Resources | Packaging and Printed Paper E.P.R. in B.C.
Current Programs
AlarmRecycle | BC Used Oil Management Association | Brewers Association of Canada | Call 2 Recycle | Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association | Encorp Pacific (Canada) | Light Recycle | Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association | Product Care | Recycle My Cell | Switch the 'Stat | The TELUS Return and Recycle Program | Tire Stewardship BC | Unplugged Small Appliance Recycling Program
Product Stewardship Current Updates
Request for Proposals: Product Care’s BC LightRecycle Program Expansion - Lamp and Ballast Recycling Services
As you may know, Product Care’s BC LightRecycle program for residential-use fluorescents lights has been in operation since 2010. This program will expand on July 1, 2012 by Product Care to capture all lamps, ballasts and fixtures sold into the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in BC. The program must create and manage a collection system that allows the generators of these products to recycle lamps, ballasts (including those containing PCB) and/or fixtures without a disposal charge at end-of-life. For more information on the upcoming program, please see www.lightrecycle.ca/expansion
In order to provide this expansion of service, Product Care is distributing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for lamp and ballast recycling services (pick-up, transportation and/or primary recycling). Download the RFP document.
The RFP is designed such that proponents may submit proposals that pertain to any combination of the following services:
- Lamp and/or Non-PCB Ballast Primary Recycling
- Lamp and/or Non-PCB Ballast Pick-Up/Transportation Services
- PCB Ballast Pick-Up/Transportation/Management Services
Product Care will consider all proposals received. Proposals that do not cover all of the scope of work are not considered at a disadvantage compared to those that cover all relevant services. Product Care will consider combinations of services and service providers in order to realize the most efficient and cost effective solution. Note that the program has initiated a competitive process to contract for collection sites as a separate process outside the scope of this RFP.
Interested parties should submit a proposal to Product Care Association no later than 5:00 pm PT on Monday May 14, 2012 to the following email address: chris@productcare.org
Bidders shall direct all inquiries regarding the RFP in writing by e-mail with the subject heading: “BC LightRecycle Expansion Recycling Services RFP”. Such e-mails shall be addressed to:
Christ Knoll
Product Care Association
chris@productcare.org
Other documents: BC Lamp Processor Standard
See past updates
EPR Resources
1. Video: Evolution of Industry-Led Product Stewardship Model in British Columbia
2. RCBC Factsheet: BC EPR Overview (November 2011)
3. B.C. Product Stewardship Programs Summary Table
A comprehensive summary compiled by RCBC of all current and upcoming stewardship programs in British Columbia
Updated: October 2011
4. British Columbia's Recycling Handbook
All twelve 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
AlarmRecycle
AlarmRecycle is a recycling program for used or expired smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and combination smoke & CO alarms. The program is managed by Product Care Association.
BC Used Oil Management Association
BCUOMA is a not-for-profit organization open to all brand-owners of antifreeze, 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.
Call 2 Recycle
Call2Recycle has been recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones through a voluntary program in BC since 1997. As of July 1, 2010 they began collecting non-rechargeable batteries such as alkaline, UPS and lithium.
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.
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
LightRecycle
LightRecycle is a recycling program that collects residential compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and tubes in BC. Launched in July 2010 to provide safe collection of burnt-out fluorescent lights, LightRecycle has conveniently located drop-off facilities throughout the province. The program is operated by Product Care Association.
Fluorescent Light Recycling Depots
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 also administers the BC fluorescent light bulb and tube (residential use) stewardship program.
Product Care Depots - paints, flammable liquids and pesticides
Fluorescent Light Recycling Depots
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.
Switch the 'Stat
A stewardship plan for thermostats was approved by the Ministry of Environment in February 2010. The plan was submitted by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating. The plan builds on the program infrastructure of the existing Swith the 'Stat program managed by the Clean Air Foundation.
Thermostat Recycling Drop-off Locations
The TELUS Return and Recycle Program
Since 2005 TELUS has been collecting used mobile handsets and accessories for recycling through its Return & Recycle Program. In July 2010, TELUS added wireline telecommunication equipment to the list of accepted items. The goal of the TELUS Return & Recycle program is to divert as many phones and accessories as possible from Canadian landfills and ensures that hazardous components of phones and accessories are disposed of in a responsible manner.
Please visit the TELUS website for more details.
Tire Stewardship BC
Tire Stewardship BC is a not-for-profit organization formed to manage the scrap tire recycling program on behalf of tire retailers in the province.
Unplugged - Small Appliance Recycling Program
Unplugged is a small appliance recycling program that accepts over 120 products, ranging in size from toasters and electric toothbrushes to countertop microwaves and vacuum cleaners. Unplugged is run by the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA) and managed by Product Care Association.
Unplugged Recycling Depot Locations
