Recycler and Waste Hauler Perspectives on EPR for Packaging

Thursday, October 27, 2016 (2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT)

The U.S. recycling system has experienced a noticeable shift in the past few decades as the waste management and recycling industries have become increasingly privatized. Because of this change, waste and recycling systems often function as contractual agreements between haulers and recyclers with municipalities or residents. In contrast to this system, other countries – which operate under an extended producer responsibility (EPR) structure – rely on a central body to coordinate the recycling network, increasing efficiency and recovery. A shift in the U.S. to EPR for consumer packaging would change the way the current contractual arrangements with recyclers and waste haulers are structured. Could the U.S. shift to an EPR system where consumer packaging manufacturers manage and fund the recycling system? Would this change be for the better? Could it provide stability during market downturns and simplify system economics? Who would ultimately own recycled material, and how would a shift in ownership change economic dynamics? 

Using the British Columbia system as a case study, expert speakers explore these questions and more during the third part of PSI’s packaging webinar series. 

Speakers:

Daniel Lantz

Chief Operating Officer

Green by Nature EPR

Frank Mainella

Operations Controller

Smithrite

Deanne Stephenson

Manager, British Columbia Interior

Cascades Recovery, Inc.

Scott Cassel (Moderator)

Chief Executive Officer

Product Stewardship Institute