The Town of Okotoks is getting ready for the launch of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for recycling.
There will be a reduction in recycling bills and no major changes to service levels when the program launches next April, the Town said.
Alberta was the last province in Canada to pass legislation in 2022 implementing EPR, a system that shifts the cost to recycle items from residents and municipalities to producers.
In municipalities that already collect recyclables, the program launches on April 1, 2025. For other municipalities, implementation is in 2026.
During Okotoks council meeting on Oct. 15, Town staff said they were preparing to enter into an agreement with Circular Materials, the non-profit organization that will operate the EPR program on behalf of producers.
Through the agreement, the Town will be paid to cover the costs of running its recycling program, the Town said.
Mayor Tanya Thorn said residents will see a reduction on their bills for recycling, with details coming out at budget time.
The transition to EPR should not affect blue cart pick-up or recycling at the Eco-Centre.
There are two categories within EPR. A Single-Use Products, Packaging and Paper Products category includes paper, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, metal and glass. The Hazardous and Special Products category will replace Alberta’s existing household hazardous waste program and will expand on what is accepted.
Shortly after the province announced EPR, the Town had concerns about financial penalties if recyclables were contaminated, but those risks are not being transferred to the Town or to taxpayers, the Town said.
-with files from Kevin Ma, St. Albert Gazette
