Stewardship Agencies of British Columbia Collectively See a Jump in Collection Volumes

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Stewardship Agencies of BC (SABC), a coalition of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organizations across British Columbia that work together to promote and manage responsible end-of-life programs, released 2023 collection rates from its member organizations. Collectively, the EPR member organizations successfully diverted approximately 425 million kilograms of end-of-life products from landfills in 2023. The data revealed that British Columbians are recycling more beverage containers, thermostats, household batteries, large appliances and smoke/co alarms than in previous years.

“B.C. offers the most extensive list of mandated materials for recycling in North America,” said Craig Wisehart, SABC Ambassador. “Guided by the Province of BC’s Recycling Regulation, our industry-led programs increase access, improve collection volumes, divert materials from landfill, and educate British Columbians to support a circular economy. On behalf of all members, I can say we are pleased to see so many recycling rates increasing from 2022. We are a self-motivated and self-organized collective of committed individual organizations deeply dedicated to our goals, and we work together for the mutual benefit of all people living in British Columbia.”

In 2023, the number of communities participating in curbside and/or multi-family collection for packaging and paper across the province grew to 196, servicing 1,649,000 households.

The  SABC member organizations, including Call2Recycle Canada,  BC Brewers’ Recycled Container Collection Council (BRCCC), Encorp Pacific better known as Return-It, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Canada (OPEIC), Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA), Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR), Canadian Battery Association (CBA), Health Products Stewardship Association, Recycle BC, Product Care Recycling, ElectroRecycle, Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP), Tire Stewardship BC and Interchange Recycling, work together under the same provincial recycling regulation to provide effective, successful, and cost-effective EPR programs to consumers in B.C.

SABC is driven by a sense of purpose, and a responsibility to the community. The coalition is passionate about supporting end-of-life management for obligated products, waste reduction, the environment, and the future.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com