Alan Stanley, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, B.C. No Presentation Available
Product stewardship policy approaches initially started with a focus on individual products and has led to product-by-product dialogues and legislation. As states have gained experience with product stewardship legislation, they have begun to seek more efficient ways to introduce new product legislation. Product Stewardship Framework is a progression of the current approach of laws that address individual problem products like fluorescent lamps, paint, electronics, and batteries. The Framework approach establishes consistent principles, clearly defined roles for all parties, and a transparent process for adding new product types. This approach is generally preferred by industry in Canada and Europe since it is performance based and, therefore, provides greater flexibility for industry than more prescriptive legislation. Product Stewardship Framework legislation has been introduced in CA and OR in 2009 and is being discussed in many other states. This session will include an introduction to the Framework Principles of Product Stewardship; an update on Framework legislative developments and the politics involved; and a case study of framework policy implementation in British Columbia, Canada.