New Brunswick has announced plans to introduce an extended producer responsibility program for packaging and printed paper.
An official statement was released on Oct. 18 explaining that roughly 30 per cent of packaging and printed paper is already being diverted in New Brunswick through existing voluntary curbside recycling programs and that an extended producer responsibility program “is expected to divert more than 60 per cent of this material.”
Extended producer responsibility programs for packaging and printed paper are already in place in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. These programs put the onus on industry to pay for the collection and processing of specified materials. Extended producer responsibility programs also currently exist in New Brunswick for tires, paint, oil and glycol products and electronics.
What will this mean for foodservice?
The introduction of an extended producer responsibility program would require restaurants and other foodservice businesses that use packaging and printed paper as part of their operations to pay for the collection and processing of those materials.
While few details are known at this point, the New Brunswick government has indicated intentions to consult with industry stakeholders over the next six months to develop a framework for this program. Restaurants Canada has already been engaging government on this issue and will continue to ensure the voice of foodservice is heard.
The government has also indicated that new regulations will likely take at least another six months to develop following the consultation period. The targeted timeline for implementation is still unknown.
If you have any questions or would like more information, you can get in touch with Luc Erjavec, Restaurants Canada Vice President, Atlantic Canada, at lerjavec@restaurantscanada.org or 1-800-387-5649 ext. 5000.
Restaurants Canada Digital
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