Residential Recycling

The City of Grande Prairie is exploring the adoption of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, a progressive waste management approach that shifts the responsibility of recycling from municipalities and residents to the producers of materials.

This initiative aligns with efforts across Alberta and other provinces to enhance environmental sustainability and economic efficiency in waste management.

Current State

Recycling services in Grande Prairie are currently managed by Aquatera under Bylaw C-1365. Aquatera provides recycling pick-up services alongside residential solid waste collection. This service is covered through a monthly utility charge of $10.49 per household.

What is EPR?

On October 3, 2022, the Government of Alberta created EPR, a regulatory framework transferring recycling responsibility from municipalities and taxpayers to producers.

This system covers products and packaging, including single-use items and hazardous materials, ensuring proper end-of-life management. EPR aims to reduce local government pressures and support Alberta’s move towards a circular economy by requiring producers to manage the collection, sorting, processing and recycling of their products.

Following the success in other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, EPR in Alberta encourages better product design and innovation in recycling. For residents, this shift means less financial burden on taxpayers and potentially lower municipal costs, with improved recycling rates and environmental outcomes.

What to Expect

EPR clarifies and makes information more accessible for Albertans, while saving money for municipalities. Producers are now responsible for arranging the collection, transportation and recycling or disposal of products and materials. The collection service, whether curbside or depot-based, is expected to continue similarly to the local services Albertans are accustomed to.

Benefits to Albertans

A single, province-wide EPR system that collects a consistent list of products will:

• Save municipal taxpayers money
• Simplify recycling processes
• Clarify recyclable item
• Enhance accessibility to recycling in communities currently without programs
• Motivate producers to improve product design

Learn More

Visit the FAQ section on this page to learn more about:

• Grande Prairie's current state of recycling
• Changes to collection services
• Transition to EPR