Canadian province pauses plans to expand EPR to non-household packaging
During 2024, British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment and Parks consulted on options for reducing non-household waste packaging, including potentially expanding the packaging EPR regime to include non-household packaging, alongside reuse measures, disposal bans and recycling targets.
The consultation summary, released in March 2025, found general support for applying EPR to some non-household packaging streams, particularly packaging similar to household packaging already managed under EPR (i.e., cardboard and consumer packaging).
However, industry and commercial stakeholders warned of increased costs for retailers, restaurants and businesses. They also had concerns that EPR would not work effectively across all non-residential sectors due to the diversity of commercial waste streams. The stakeholders called for phased, flexible and sector-specific implementation rather than broad immediate obligations.
In May 2026, the province confirmed that it has paused further development of non-household packaging policy. The government’s webpage states the consultation feedback will still be used to formulate policy development in the future, framing the move as a ‘pause’ rather than a cancellation.
While some stakeholders had viewed British Columbia as a potential first mover in this area, the pause suggests provinces may remain cautious about expanding packaging EPR beyond household packaging amid ongoing affordability and competitiveness concerns.
