The Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association (DDSWMA) has opted to continue delivering its own recycling program to members as the province works to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
EPR is a policy where the producers- businesses that supply packaging and paper, are responsible for the end-of-life management of their material. In practice, the program is overseen by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA).
Producers Responsibility Organizations (PROS) representing producers of packaging will take responsibility for establishing collection management systems. In the end, they will be responsible for much consumer-based recycling, taking the burden off municipalities. In Alberta, Circular Materials will act as the PROS for single-use plastic, paper and cardboard.
Municipalities in Alberta had a deadline of August 1 to determine whether they would opt-out and have the PROS manage the system, or opt-in, and continue to run its own recycling system, through a service agreement with Circular Materials
The DDSWMA held a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 25. The membership voted to opt-in as a service provider.
In considering the vote by opting in DDSWMA will be able to continue serving residents, members and the communities with recycling services at the current levels. There is potential for an increased collection of specified materials, as EPR includes other packing products including glass, styrofoam and soft plastic. It will also provide DDSWMA with the ability to negotiate with Circular Materials.
