The City of Lloydminster is looking to change its recycling program by moving it to the provincial level.
Council heard the recommended changes at the Aug. 11 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Read more: Alberta invests nearly $50M in recycling
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers financially responsible for their materials throughout their entire life cycle, including disposal.
It’s introduced at the provincial level to support recycling and management of materials. With this program, the cost will shift from the municipality to the province.
“Right now, we’re paying for collection and processing fees,” said Karen Dela Rosa, director of environmental services. “So, we’re paying per household plus a per time rate for processing.”
Due to Lloydminster being bi-provincial, the city compared the programs in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
As part of the process, the city surveyed four municipalities from each province.
According to Dela Rosa, no two municipalities are alike with their EPR implementation.
“We have heard some common themes emerge in our discussion regarding key considerations,” she said. “One of them is cost recovery, quality and reliability of service, the resource requirements for implementing EPR as well as penalties for contamination of service failures.”
She added the surveyed municipalities spoke to the importance of early communication with residents regarding the program.
In terms of implementing the service, Alberta will closely mirror current operations while expanding their recycling list.
“EPR will be expanding the list of acceptable products that can be put into the recycling,” said Dela Rosa.
Administration recommended going with the Alberta EPR program, in an opt-out or program-led participation model with EPR credit. The opt-out model would see the producer responsibility organization (PRO) responsible for all aspects of curbside collection services.
Coun. Michael Diachuk asked if private recycling facilities would be willing to take the additional recycling.
“As part of this EPR program, we will also register for a depot service, so we will be able to continue receiving recyclable materials at the landfill,” said Dela Rosa.
She says more will be recycled in Lloydminster through the program.
“With EPR, more can be recycled. EPR has an expanded list of accepted materials compared to what we currently have,” she said.
Through the opt-out model, the city will lose some control but can still work with the province.
“We can continue to work with them in terms of ensuring there is a seamless transition from the service we provide to the service they will now be providing,” said Dela Rosa. “We will also negotiate to ensure we have visibility of the data so we know what people are recycling.”
Coun. Justin Vance likes the idea of moving to an opt-out model as a way to save money.
“Opt-out seems like the better option, especially anytime we can put more money in the pockets of our residents and put more of a burden on the producers,” he said.
It’s an opportunity for some cost-saving at the city, which will help come budget time.
“When all things are considered, getting out of the (management of things) is in the best interests of the city, which gives us the best opportunity for some cost reductions for the city taxpayer,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
Under administration’s recommendation, recycling will still be collected at each home weekly.
The item is expected to return to a future council meeting for decision.
Read more: City looks to partner with Vic Juba Theatre on concerts
