Industry-led Stewardship in B.C. The Provincial Government’s Approach

2. 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

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

4. Ministry of Environment’s Role… Ministry provides leadership in environmental management through: • legislation, • programs, and • compliance activities.

5. 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

6. Life Cycle Perspective Design Scope of conventional producer responsibility Manufacturing Distribution Use Scope of extended producer responsibility Waste Mngt Producer: manufacturer/brandowner, first importer Slide courtesy of Karen Asp, Gartner Lee

7. 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…”

8. 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

9. Current Programs • Beverage Containers • Pharmaceuticals • Paint • Pesticides • Gasoline, • Solvents and flammable liquids • Tires • Used Oil, Containers and Filters • Electronics

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Candidate List of Products New 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

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

15. 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