National Recycling Framework
Canada should be a global leader in enabling a fully circular economy for packaging.
As a best practice leader in the sector, the beverage industry continues to be at the forefront of driving transformation and progress in the collection, recycling, and repurposing of its packaging from coast to coast. CBA members are taking action to further improve their packaging by supporting the Golden Design Rules that require the elimination of plastics and additives that disrupt recycling systems
or degrade the value of other recyclables. To fulfill their commitments to use recycled content, CBA members require a stable supply of recycled material.
As leaders in the circular economy, CBA member companies support the harmonization of Extended Producer Responsibility systems and have been actively working toward this goal through producer-led beverage container recycling programs in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and several Atlantic provinces.
Streamlined Recycling for All Canadians
A National Recycling framework would provide the harmonization, streamlined processes, and efficiency needed to increase recovery rates across Canada.
This strategy would provide key benefits including:
Synchronized Reporting Standards
There are a wide variety of definitions for “beverage containers” when recycling programs define recovery rates. More consistent reporting standards are crucial for progress monitoring, assessing whether targets are on track, identifying areas for improvement, and
eliminating redundancies in reporting requirements between all three levels of government.
Closing the Loop for Canadians
The demand for recycled PET in beverage container manufacturing currently exceeds market supply. A National Recycling Strategy could establish a system to prioritize the return of materials that can be recycled and used in food-grade packaging by producers at fair market value.
Opportunities to Reinvest in Canada
A national focus on infrastructure would unlock savings due to the significant economy of scale associated with recycling. Recycling affiliates could work together to invest in processing facilities, optimize transportation routes, and create a more predictable and stable market for recycled materials.
Our Recycling Affiliates
Facilitating Collaboration, Innovation and Data-Driven Results
The success of a National Recycling framework hinges on collaboration. The federal government can act as a catalyst, fostering communication and understanding, but success ultimately lies at the provincial level.
To achieve the required collaboration, we recommend the following:
Engaging with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment
The Federal Government should use this existing leadership mechanism to build consensus and understand the Provinces’ needs. The solutions to improve our recycling systems are not top-down. The provinces and territories need achievable targets and need to be invested in a pathway to meet them.
Supporting Innovation and Research
Financial incentives and grants on the federal level can encourage investment in innovative recycling technology. Additional financial support could go towards the continuous improvement and innovation of the system, closing the loop and enabling higher recover rates while minimizing the burden on taxpayers.
Investing in Data Collection
A National Recycling Strategy requires robust data to track progress. By leveraging existing data collection systems, we can gain valuable insights into our recycling system’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.