BCMB-2021-08-12 - Beverage Container Recycling Scorecard and Recycling Rate Verification

The Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) is a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO) created through legislation to aid the Ministry of Environment and Parks in achieving its goals and objectives. The BCMB is a not-for-profit organization formed by representatives of Alberta beverage manufacturers, depots and the public (environmental organizations, municipalities and interested citizens). The BCMB is charged with the responsibility of regulating and enhancing Alberta’s beverage container system. Since its inception on December 1, 1997, the BCMB has worked to ensure that Albertans have access to a convenient, innovative and cost-effective system for recycling and reusing used beverage containers.

The BCMB and its industry stakeholders work in partnership to ensure the collection and processing of used beverage containers for purposes of recycling or reusing (refilling) those containers. For further information on our organization please go to our website at www.bcmb.ab.ca.

BCMB utilizes its own definition of recycling and associated standards to determine which container materials will be acceptable for registration in the Alberta deposit system, which allow for Albertans to receive a refund at Alberta depots. As an important part of determining these standards, manufacturer end markets need to be identified and utilized to promote a system of beverage container recycling and reuse of collectible beverage containers. Much of the beverage container deposit system runs through the Collection System Agent (CSA) run by Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC).

ABCRC operates with not-for-profit provisions as the agent for beverage manufacturers in Alberta to collect, transport, process and recycle non-refillable beverage containers. Refillable containers are run through other Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) such as registered Collection Service Providers (CSPs).

A joint committee has been formed with members of both BCMB and ABCRC to develop a recycling scorecard to assess how the system is currently performing, best practices for recycling, and recycling validation methods.