There are no plans to delay the implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling program in the Yukon, according to Yukon government cabinet communications.
Despite requests to do exactly that — halt the extended producer responsibility program until 2026 — the government said it is “necessary to reduce waste and create a more sustainable, efficient system for managing packaging and paper products,” in a statement shared on June 4.
Letters from the Yukon Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business were made available to the News: they claimed that the EPR program would increase costs for local businesses and consumers.
The statement from the Yukon government said that work has been underway on the program since 2022, and there’s been ongoing engagement and input from businesses, municipalities and other partners.
“EPR is something many other jurisdictions are already implementing, and we’re working to make sure the Yukon’s approach fits our unique context while aligning with broader efforts to reduce waste,” reads the statement.
The News reached out to the producer responsibility organizations (PROs) planning to begin operation in the territory.
Product Care, which is set to deal with hazardous materials, declined to comment based on its ongoing consultation process. Call2Recycle, which will deal with batteries, did not respond to a request for comment.
Interchange Recycling, which will deal with oil, diesel exhaust fluid and antifreeze, shared a statement from director of operations Jenn Robson.
“EPR programs have proven successful across Canada in helping manage waste more efficiently and equitably by shifting the responsibility for recycling from local governments and taxpayers to the producers of products and packaging,” reads the email statement.
Robson acknowledged the potential for challenges, especially in remote and northern places like the Yukon. Because of that, Interchange will be working closely with YG and the other PROs to ensure there is clear communication and support for businesses, she wrote.
Circular Materials, which will be responsible for paper and packaging materials, provided a written statement attributed to CEO Allen Langdon.
The statement said the organization will “continue to engage and work closely with the Yukon government to discuss challenges and key opportunities to manage costs on behalf of producers as we work to deliver a successful transition to EPR in the territory.”
Contact Talar Stockton at talar.stockton@yukon-news.com
