What’s New in Waste

Laste Updated: March 10, 2025

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach from the Province that shifts the burden of recycling management away from municipalities and consumers, placing it directly on the companies that create the products. The goal is to incentivize producers to design products that are easier to recycle, more sustainable, and have a longer lifespan.

Benefits of EPR for Residents

1. Improve Recycling Systems: Under EPR, recycling programs are often better funded and more efficient. Residents can expect easier access to recycling services for a wider range of products, such as electronics, packaging, and paper, with producers covering the costs of collection and processing.

2. Cost Savings for Municipalities: EPR shifts the financial responsibility of recycling management from municipalities to producers. This means local governments can save money on waste management services, passing on cost savings to residents’ utility bill.

3. Environmental Impact: EPR encourages producers to design products that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This can lead to less packaging waste, improve recycling rates, and a reduction in landfill use – ultimately benefiting both the environment and communities.

4. More Recycling Opportunities: EPR systems often introduce recycling for products that previously weren’t accepted in municipal programs. Residents will be able to recycle more types of materials through convenient drop-off at the Transfer & Eco Station or through their curbside collection. Acceptable materials in the recycling stream will be consistent throughout every municipality in Alberta, reducing confusion and wish-cycling (when people put non-recyclable items in the recycling bin, hoping they can be recycled.)

What Happens Next?

The City of Fort Saskatchewan is in Phase 1 of the EPR transition. Under this new system, all residential properties, including both single-family and multi-family homes, will have access to the same recycling services. This transition is expected to happen on April 1, 2025, and should have minimal impact on residents.

After April 1, 2025:

  • Any concerns regarding your recycling collection after April 1, such as missed collections, rejected bags, or questions about the process, should be directed to Integrity Waste Solutions or Circular Materials. Contact information will be shared to all residents and will be updated on the website on April 1.
  • The City’s waste services will no longer be your primary point of contact for recycling-related inquiries. For any concerns related to garbage or organics, please do not hesitate to email us at waste@fortsask.ca or call the Waste Hotline at 780-992-6218.

Who is Circular Materials?

Circular Materials is a national non-profit organization that was chosen by Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) to manage and collection the recycling program within the Province. Within Fort Saskatchewan, Circular Materials will continue their partnership with Integrity Waste Solutions (our current contractor).

Learn more about Circular Materials at circularmaterials.ca