Alberta Launches Phase 1 of EPR for Packaging and Paper Products
On April 1, 2025, Circular Materials officially launched Phase 1 of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper products in Alberta, marking a major milestone in enhancing the province’s recycling system. This new producer-led approach requires businesses supplying packaging and paper to fully fund and manage their materials’ end-of-life cycle. The transition aims to improve recycling rates, operational efficiency, and advance the circular economy without disrupting residents’ recycling habits.
The launch event at Edmonton’s Kennedale East Facility was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and partners who celebrated the collaborative effort behind this milestone. Alberta’s Minister of Environment, Rebecca Schulz, highlighted how this system keeps more waste out of landfills while easing costs for communities. Circular Materials will immediately manage recycling services in 45 communities and act as a service provider in over 150 others, including Edmonton. Phase 2 will roll out in October 2026 to expand recycling to remaining areas.
Chris Fowler, Acting Branch Manager of Waste Services for the City of Edmonton, emphasized that residents will continue receiving the same quality recycling services while shifting costs from taxpayers to producers. More information about recycling in Alberta can be found at circularmaterials.ca/alberta.
New Brunswick Expands EPR to Multi-Family, Schools, and New Communities
Building on its progress, Circular Materials is also proud to announce a major expansion of New Brunswick’s EPR program effective May 1, 2025. This phase extends curbside recycling access to multi-family residences, schools, and communities that previously relied on depots or lacked services altogether. Now, every community in New Brunswick has curbside recycling.
The announcement was made at an event in Oromocto with government officials and community leaders, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving the program. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Gilles LePage, praised the initiative for making recycling more accessible and advancing a cleaner, sustainable future. The program’s inclusion of First Nation communities remains a key priority, with 14 of 15 communities already transitioned or transitioning.
In addition to expanding services, Circular Materials is launching an educational program for elementary schools in partnership with The Gaia Project. This hands-on curriculum-aligned initiative will pilot in select schools and expand province-wide in fall 2025 to foster recycling awareness and reduce contamination.
Timothy LeBlanc, CEO of Recycle NB, called the expansion “an important milestone” toward an inclusive province-wide recycling system where producers take responsibility and communities gain better service access.
Highlights of the expansion include:
-
Over 20,000 new households gaining curbside recycling, including areas such as Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton, Oromocto, and Grand Manan.
-
133 schools joining the EPR program.
-
Approximately 10,000 multi-family dwelling units receiving direct recycling collection.
-
Full transition of all 89 participating entities to the EPR framework.
The next phase of school and multi-family integration is planned for November 1, 2025, with registration open until May 31, 2025. Recycling in public spaces is targeted for launch in 2027. Circular Materials remains committed to working with partners across New Brunswick to ensure ongoing success.
Together, these milestones in Alberta and New Brunswick demonstrate Circular Materials’ commitment to delivering producer-led, environmentally sustainable recycling solutions across Canada, fostering a circular economy that benefits communities and the planet.