Industry-led Stewardship in B.C.

The Provincial Government’s Approach

July 2008 PSI Conference Call

Presented by:

Jenn Wilson

B.C. Ministry of Environment

• Background on our structure and role• Outline the model and regulation• What’s next in B.C. ?• Answer any questions

Presentation Overview

Ministry of Environment’s Role…

Ministry provides leadership in environmental management through:

• legislation,

• programs, and

• compliance activities.

Our Policy for Industry-led Product Stewardship

• Based on the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD’s) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model…

“A management system based on industry and consumers taking life-cycle responsibility for the products they produce and use”

• Shift away from government-managed, taxpayer-financed waste management programs

Life Cycle PerspectiveScope of conventional producer responsibility

Scope of extended producer responsibility

Design

Manufacturing

Distribution

Waste Mngt

Use

Producer: manufacturer/brandowner, first importer

Slide courtesy of Karen Asp, Gartner Lee

Recycling Regulation (2004)• Results based regulation

• Provides producers with flexibility to meet environmental outcomes

• Industry must consult with stakeholder on their plan

• The plan must “provide for the producer collecting and paying the costs of collecting and managing products…”

Why We Do It This Way• In line with government direction - move towards results-based

legislation

• Focus on environmental outcomes not operations

• Create level playing field

• Provide flexibility in planning – one size doesn’t fit all

• Ensure transparency – require public consultation and annual reports on operational and financial aspects

• Provide flexibility for producers – their design or option to follow prescriptive Part 3 section

• Ensure everyone has input through public consultation

Current Programs1. Beverage Containers

2. Pharmaceuticals

3. Paint

4. Pesticides

5. Gasoline,

6. Solvents and flammable liquids

7. Tires

8. Used Oil, Containers and Filters

9. Electronics

Vision for EPR Future

• Our Ministry goal is to add two new products to the Recycling Regulation every three years

• Work with other jurisdictions to harmonize EPR programs

• Work with producers to foster design for the environment and reduce GHG emissions

Key Drivers to add New Products

• Premier’s and Cabinet’s direction/goals• Input from ENGOs, local governments and industry• Willingness of industry• Federal EPR initiatives – Canadian Council of Ministers

of the Environment (CCME) EPR Task Force• Other jurisdictional initiatives• Toxicity • Volume

What’s Next in BC• Ministry Service Plan - add two new product categories every

three years.

• Selected two products from the Deputy Minister’s candidate list

• April 24, 2008 - announced mercury-containing light bulbs and thermostats as well as expanding existing electronic product category

• Summer 2008 - prepare amendment to the Recycling Regulation for government consideration in Fall ‘08

• 2009 - Industry will develop a plan and consult

• Late 2009 to 2010 - Industry launches program

Candidate List of ProductsNew Product Categories• Antifreeze and hydraulic fluid• Batteries (alkaline, lithium, lead acid, etc)• Light Bulbs (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, etc.)• Mercury containing products (switches, thermometers, thermostats,

medical equip., etc) • Packaging (paper, plastic, metal, glass)**• White goods (fridge, stove, cfc containing, etc.)• Pool and photographic chemicals• Furniture and textiles• Construction and demolition waste• Automobiles**phased approach

Candidate List of Products (2)Expand Existing Product Categories• Electronics **• Paint • Pesticides • Solvents and other flammables • Pharmaceuticals

**phased approach

Thank you…Any Questions?

More information:

www.recycling.gov.bc.ca

Next Product Contact Information:

Jennifer.A.Wilson@gov.bc.ca

Phone: (250) 356-5295Fax: (250) 356-7197