OPEIC remains actively engaged on the policy front within multiple jurisdictions. There is a steady move across all provinces, regardless of the political ideology of the individual governments, to expand extended producer responsibility (EPR) recycling program designations throughout Canada. OPEIC continues to respond with consistent messaging:
• Waste audits prove that OPE is not going into provincial landfills. • Continued cost to consumers and industry to operate the BC program.
• Research studies demonstrate the metal recycling industry, together with a dealer network, effectively collects, reuses, refurbishes and processes outdoor power equipment in a free- market system. These results are consistent across Canada wherever metal recycling and dealer networks have operated for many years. • Lifecycle of products are extended by the availability of repair parts and the ability of the dealer network to repair and refurbish. • Outdoor power equipment is not hard to recycle and contains valuable materials that can be readily reclaimed. • Consumers have ready access to the existing metal recycling network. While there have been some successes, the trend towards additional end-product regulation appears inevitable. A suitable program that addresses the nationwide EPR growth is needed to ensure industry products are properly managed at end-of-life. OPEIC is not prepared for such expansion and obligations on behalf of its program participants. As EPRA seeks to streamline all electronic products into their stewardship program, OPEIC must ensure that program participants remain in compliance with the BC regulations, and operational autonomy is achieved beyond 2025. Recycling programs within the open marketplace are extremely limited with EPRA being the sole electronic collector throughout British Columbia, and a major program collector throughout the provinces. OPEIC staff has summarized multiple viable options, including service provider outreach, which highlights options for program operations beyond 2025. Board Decision – OPEIC Program Options: In all scenarios OPEIC could remain a Canadian entity that focuses on association affairs. (ATTACHMENT) - Option A: Phase out the OPEIC program, cease operations, and shift all program operations into EPRA. - Option B*: Transfer OPEIC service contract collections through Call2Recycle and continue all British Columbia program oversight as the program performs today. An opportunity to streamline program administrative responsibilities, from the current provider – Product Care Association – into Call2Recycle is a potential option as well. - Option C: Rescind the OPEIC program plan, cease operations, and allow program participants (retailers, OEM’s, importers) to partner with open-market options (i.e. EPRA or Call2Recycle) to collect the regulated products. Similar to e-bike programs in British Columbia.
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