Vancouver Strives for Zero Waste Using EPR and Proactive Actions

British Columbia has the most comprehensive, industry-supported EPR approach in Canada.  Now Vancouver BC has adopted a Zero Waste Strategy with multiple components.  Below you can read about their focus on being a catalyst for more takeback programs.  

Vancouver BC’s Zero Waste / Takeback Strategy
Strategies for Zero Waste
1.         Nurture a Zero Waste Culture
2.         Make Reducing and Reusing a Priority
3.         Capture the Organics
4.         Be a Catalyst for More Takeback Programs
5.         Keep Recyclables Out of Landfills and Incinerators
6.         Enhance Construction, Renovation & Demolition Recycling
7.         Foster a Local Closed-Loop Economy


Be a Catalyst for More Takeback Programs 
Almost 70% of garbage consists of thrown-away products and packaging. To address this problem, waste management is evolving in a way that makes companies responsible for taking back and recycling their products once they become waste. These takeback programs are the cornerstone of our zero waste plan and key to achieving a green economy. 


Takeback programs are based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR), also known as industry product stewardship. EPR shifts the responsibility for managing discarded products to the companies that produce them, rather than local governments. EPR is fostering a new wave of corporate responsibility, where companies extend their responsibility past the factory gates and deal with their discarded products. Connecting brand names to waste can motivate companies to redesign their products and make them less wasteful from the start.


The best-known example in British Columbia is the deposit-refund system for beverage containers.The program started in 1970 to tackle the problem of litter. Today, with a 92% return rate, the beer program achieves the kind of recycling rates needed to reach our longterm goal of creating zero waste.

British Columbia also has takeback programs for electronics (like computers, TVs, audio-visual equipment, cell phones, batteries), paint, pesticides, solvents, gasoline, used oil and empty oil containers, oil filters,tires, lead acid batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, thermostats and unused medications. Programs forantifreeze and empty antifreeze containers, as well as small appliances will be introduced this year. In 2012, all electronics will be covered.
These takeback programs inject $125 million into BC's economy, creating 1,600 direct and 500 indirect green jobs. By recirculating resources that have already been harvested, the programs save as much greenhouse gas emissions as taking 73,000 cars off the road for a year.

Over the life of the Greenest City Action Plan, the number of takeback programs will expand significantly thanks to a national plan for extended producer responsibility. Under this plan, the government of British Columbia is committed to working towards mandatory takeback programs for packaging, printed paper, and hazardous waste by 2015. Construction and demolition waste (or building products), carpet, furniture and textiles will follow by 2017. Together, these product categories cover more than 60% of garbage going to landfill or incinerator.


ACTIONS for Be a Catalyst for More Takeback Programs 

Advocate for New Takeback Programs
Working with Metro Vancouver and other local governments, advocate for the province to introduce producer responsibility (or takeback) programs as recommended in the national plan for producer responsibility. Industry would then be responsible for managing packaging (including shopping bags), printed paper (newsprint, magazines, etc.) and hazardous waste by 2015. Construction and demolition waste (building products), carpet, furniture and textiles would follow by 2017. Together, these categories make up about 60% of garbage.
Encourage Coffee Companies to Set Up Takeback Programs for Coffee Cups
Form a task force with coffee companies and community stakeholders to explore and test-run takeback models for coffee cups. This would address a litter problem, reduce street cleaning costs, and could help shape a province-wide takeback program for disposable cups and fast food packaging. (Under a national plan, the government of British Columbia is committed to working towards requiring industry to provide takeback programs for packaging by 2015.)
Co-Sponsor a Zero Waste Food Court
Develop partnerships to co-sponsor a local food court to go Zero Waste. A waste-free food court would showcase reusable dishes for eating on-site, which could be returned through refundable deposits. All take-away dishes and utensils would be converted to compostable or recyclable materials. The program could be a model for a province-wide takeback program for fast food packaging. (Under a national plan, the government of British Columbia is committed to working towards requiring industry to provide takeback programs for packaging by 2015.)
Help Expand the Collection Network for Existing Takeback Programs
Use the City's zoning authority and development approval processes to expand the collection network for existing takeback programs, including privately-operated recycling depots and in-store return locations.
Facilitate a Voluntary Takeback Network for More Products
Facilitate and promote a voluntary Takeback Network to encourage retailers to take back their products for reuse and recycling. Target products that are abandonned in laneways, as well as products that are recommended in the national plan for new takeback programs. These include mattresses, couches, other furniture, carpet, electronics, large appliances and packaging.
Build a Coalition of West Coast Cities to Advocate for New Takeback Programs
Build a coalition of mayors in major cities in the Pacific Northwest to call for new takeback programs. The more provinces and states with mandatory takeback programs, the greater the market share, and the greater the incentive for companies to redesign their products and stop waste at the source. A coordinated effort in the Pacific Northwest could also stimulate investment in recycling technologies and infrastructure.
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