Packaging and paper program one step closer to reality

As we are approaching the end of the year, we thought it was time to provide an update on the Packaging and Paper Products (PPP) program.

Last year around this time, the Government of New Brunswick amended the Designated Materials Regulation to include an Extended Producer Responsibility program for packaging and paper products. This means that those who manufacture and sell packaging and paper products in New Brunswick will be responsible for their collection, processing and recycling. This could equal huge savings for municipalities.

As a reminder, under a PPP program, more types of paper (wrapping paper) and plastic (film plastics such as resealable bags) may be added to your recycling. We are hopeful that New Brunswickers may also be able to recycle glass jars as part of this program, which will make many of you very happy.

Obviously, packaging and paper encompasses a huge range of materials, so the program will be a massive undertaking in New Brunswick. Essentially, those who manufacture and sell these materials need to find a way to collect them from consumers, transport them to recycling facilities, process them and recycle them. It will be no small feat to launch this program.

We are getting there, however, one step at a time. Over the past year, brand owners have had to register with Recycle NB, as well as prepare a stewardship plan to be submitted by the deadline of October 14, 2022. As with many EPR programs, many brand owners rely on a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to represent their interests and prepare a stewardship plan on their behalf. We are happy to report that a stewardship plan has been submitted and we are now reviewing and preparing feedback.

The next few months will be busy ones for us here at Recycle NB as we look to finalize the stewardship plan and begin planning the roll-out of the PPP program. Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, happy recycling everyone!