Whereas the Province of British Columbia committed in its Five-Year Extended Producer Responsibility EPR Action Plan 2021-2026 and the 20252028 Service Plan to regulate mattresses, but recently announced a delay citing consumer affordability concerns; And whereas delaying implementation increases costs for consumers, for local governments and taxpayers who must cover the collection, recycling, and disposal of mattresses, despite producers being responsible under the polluter-pays principle, thereby exacerbating the very affordability issues the delay seeks to address: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to amend the Recycling Regulation without delay as committed to, creating a province-wide mattress recycling program by including mattresses as a product category under Extended Producer Responsibility, ensuring that producers are responsible for the collection, recycling, and disposal of mattresses.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The ministry remains committed to the principle that producers should take responsibility for the products they sell. Current delays to regulate mattresses are temporary and reflect the broader economic climate not a change in direction or intent. We understand that many partners, including local governments and First Nations, have been anticipating mattresses being included in extended producer responsibility EPR. While the EPR model is designed as a producerconsumer pay system, we are examining options to ensure it remains practical and sustainable. We value input from local governments and recycling partners and will continue to work with them to design an EPR program that is both effective and affordable. Going forward, we remain committed to expanding our EPR program to foster a circular economy with less waste and we will continue to keep you updated as our work progresses.