The Province has advised UBCM that a new recycling program and eco-fees are anticipated in April 2027 for products recently added to British Columbia's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.
Product Care Recycling will be administering recycling services for these expanded product categories, which include most aerosols, single-use canisters, bear spray, handheld fire extinguishers, and refillable propane tanks. The non-profit producer responsibility organization is currently developing a recycling program plan for approval by the Ministry of Environment and developing eco fees to recover program costs.
As fire extinguishers and bear spray are essential health and safety products, the Ministry is encouraging local governments to be aware of upcoming eco-fees when planning future purchases and contracts. For products delivered on or after April 1, 2027, an additional eco-fee may apply.
This recent expansion of B.C.’s EPR program does not include mattresses or industrial, commercial and institutional packaging and paper products, both of which have been identified by local governments as priority product categories (2021-EB33, 2025-LR1).
For more information, contact Product Care Recycling, or the Ministry of Environment.