Overview
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the next evolution in Alberta’s recycling system that ultimately saves Albertans money and sees less waste end up in landfills.
EPR is operated and managed by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). ERP takes the financial burden of recycling single-use plastics, paper and packaging and shifts it onto the companies that produce them. It diversifies the economy by encouraging companies to find innovative ways to recycle more materials and produce less packaging waste.
Alberta’s EPR empowers producers to:
- create local recycling markets and improve community access
- design cost-effective and efficient recycling programs
- demonstrate environmental responsibility
Benefits for Albertans
EPR saves you money
Traditionally, recycling programs are paid for by municipalities. EPR shifts many recycling costs away from municipalities and onto the producers of products and packaging.
Savings will vary by municipality and may take time to appear on your utility bill.
While each community is unique, many communities have publicly indicated that recycling fees will likely be lowered under EPR, including Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge.
No changes to how you recycle
Albertans with existing recycling services can continue recycling as they normally do and municipalities can continue recycling materials not included under EPR.
EPR is also bringing recycling to some communities for the first time.
- If you have questions about these services, contact ARMA.
About EPR
Alberta EPR is a recycling system for thousands of different residential products under 2 main systems:
- PPP – Single-use products, packaging and printed paper products
- paper, including newspapers, packaging, cardboard
- plastics
- metal and glass
- HSP – Hazardous and special products
- flammable, corrosive and toxic consumer products
- batteries
- pesticides
More information on materials included in the PPP and HSP systems is available on the Alberta Recycling Management Authority website.
EPR management
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) is the designated organization that provides oversight to Alberta’s EPR systems. ARMA has managed regulated recycling programs for used oil, paint, tires and electronics in Alberta for more than 30 years.
- Learn more about ARMA – Inspiring a Future Without Waste
ARMA is accountable to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, and must provide business plans, reports, and audited financial statements to the Minister annually as well as notice of changes to its bylaws.
EPR timeline
Alberta’s EPR systems launched April 1, 2025. Government recognizes it will take time for some producers and municipalities to develop their EPR systems.
More information
- Alberta’s EPR Regulation was created through Order in Council.
- Bylaws were finalized in 2023.
- Read: Extended Producer Responsibility Agreement on Administration and Oversight
Contact
Connect with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority:
Website: Contact ARMA
Connect with the Waste Policy Section:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-4961
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: aep.recyclingregulation@gov.ab.ca