About SABC
The Stewardship Agencies of BC (SABC) is a collaborative organization dedicated to managing obligated products and enhancing British Columbia's leadership in extended producer responsibility (EPR and product stewardship. A self-motivated and self-organized collective, SABC comprises committed individual organizations that work together for the benefit of all British Columbians
How SABC Operates
SABC member organizations operate within a flexible, performance-based regulatory framework that allows them to set fees and minimize provincial government involvement in operational details. This structure necessitates a collaborative approach to effectively deliver joint initiatives. By working together under the same recycling regulation, SABC members provide effective EPR programs to consumers in BC. Driven by leadership and responsibility, these organizations are passionate about waste reduction, environmental management, and future sustainability
The Evolution of Product Stewardship in BC
The commitment to the environment in British Columbia began in 1970s with the establishment of regulations that laid the foundation for today's EPR programs. SABC was formed to enhance the efforts of various product stewardship programs, focusing on public education and raising consumer awareness about the positive environmental impact of the BC model.
Recycling in BC: A Model for Success
Today, British Columbia's EPR 'results-based' regulations are recognized as the most comprehensive and effective framework in North America. Collectively, SABC members divert over 450 million kilograms of end-of-life products from landfills, responsibly manage residuals into new products where possible, and generate $500 million in economic activity. This activity creates jobs and contributes over $40 million in taxes to local, provincial, and federal governments.
Recycling in BC is governed by comprehensive EPR regulations, making it one of the most effective frameworks in North America. Through these regulations, SABC members collectively manage significant amounts of recyclable material, contributing to the province's environmental and economic health.
Effective EPR Programs in BC
An EPR program mandates that producers are accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially for take-back, recycling, and final disposal. These programs are designed to encourage more sustainable product designs and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in British Columbia is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly their end-of-life management. This means that manufacturers, importers, and retailers who sell products in BC are responsible for the collection, recycling, and safe disposal of these products after consumers are done using them.
In BC, EPR programs are mandated by the provincial government under the Recycling Regulation of the Environmental Management Act.
What is Product Stewardship?
In British Columbia, product stewardship is a system where producers are responsible for managing the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle, including recycling and safe disposal. This ensures that products are handled responsibly from production to end-of-life.