This summer has been far from uneventful at Encorp Atlantic! With the many changes on the horizon regarding the April 1, 2024, migration of the Beverage Containers Program (BCP) to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model comes much planning.
As the official not-for-profit producer responsibility organization that will operate this EPR recycling program, the first step in the planning process for Encorp was submitting our 5-year Stewardship Plan for this new EPR program to Recycle NB, as required by legislation, on August 1, 2023.
The Stewardship Plan for the new EPR BCP that we submitted to Recycle NB outlines the exciting transformative process that will change the nature of UBC recycling in New Brunswick.
The long-awaited move towards full refunds for consumers on deposits paid for beverage products required by the newly amended Designated Materials Regulation and planned for April 1, 2024, means we can expect UBC recovery volume increases and a renewed public interest in the program. Our plan calls for providing tools and technologies to redemption centre operators to improve access and convenience to UBC recycling for beverage product consumers, increasing communication and outreach initiatives, and launching deposit-bearing UBC recycling programs targeted at schools and community groups across the province. The new EPR BCP will prioritize environmental performance, expand UBC return/collection options across the province, enhance the UBC return/redemption experience, and reduce littering in public outdoor spaces.
We expect feedback from Recycle NB and some revisions to this plan in the coming weeks, after which we will make it available on our website. We are excited and looking forward to be able to share our plan and vision for the new EPR Beverage Containers Program with all stakeholders.
