2023 marked a significant turning point for Encorp Atlantic as we geared up for the shift to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which would take effect on April 1, 2024, and place us entirely in charge of managing and administering the province’s Beverage Containers Program.
The year was filled with significant milestones. We launched the newly formed non-profit organization Encorp Atlantic/Encorp Atlantique, took on the additional task of managing the alcohol beverage container stream, transitioned to new service providers, and crafted our Stewardship Plan for the new EPR Program. It was a whirlwind of activity for our team, and while there were some initial challenges, we smoothed things out as the year progressed.
By the end of 2023, we achieved a combined recovery rate of 73.4% for alcohol and non-alcohol beverage containers. Although we knew there would be more work ahead to improve that rate under EPR, we were encouraged by the progress made. Fast forward to now, and as you can see from the most recent UBC recovery rate, the rate is climbing significantly. This is primarily thanks to the introduction of full refunds on beverage container deposits on April 1, 2024, coupled with our extensive communications and promotions. We’re on track to finish 2024 with a recovery rate surpassing the 75% target set in our Stewardship Plan.
For a closer look at the eventful year that was 2023 and our path to EPR, read our recently published 2023 Annual Report, available at encorpatl.ca.
