Learn about Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental and economic policy approach to waste management. It means that the producers of products and packaging must make sure these products and packaging are properly managed when they reach the end of their life cycle.

Extended Producer Responsibility in the Yukon

Our Clean Future commits the Government of Yukon to implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility program in the Yukon by 2025.

The primary goals for bringing this program to the Yukon are to:

• reduce the costs of waste management for the territorial government, municipalities and taxpayers;
• provide financial stability for recycling;
• increase the amount of waste kept out of landfills;
• help reach the waste diversion and greenhouse gas reduction targets under Our Clean Future; and
• encourage a circular economy.

Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation in the Yukon

In early 2022, the Government of Yukon consulted with most affected stakeholders to draft a legislative proposal for the Extended Producer Responsibility regulation.

From November 1, 2022, to February 17, 2023, the government conducted full public and stakeholder engagement to collect feedback through stakeholder meetings, written submissions and public survey.

Read the executive summary of What We Heard about Extended Producer Responsibility.

Read the full What We Heard report on Extended Producer Responsibility.

In the Fall 2023 Legislature Sitting, Bill No. 28, Amendments to the Environment Act was passed which allows the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation.

Effective January 25, 2024, the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation is in effect. The passing of this regulation marks the start of the implementation period. 

Guidance documents

• Am I a Steward
• Obligated Products
• Steward Obligations
• Stewardship Plan Requirements
• Engagement Requirements

Stewardship plans: Current status and next steps

Some stewardship plans have been approved, while others are still in development. Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) are leading the engagement and communication efforts to ensure proper implementation.

• Call2Recycle: Batteries
  • This program will be in effect as of June 24, 2025.
  • Read the stewardship plan. 
• Interchange Recycling: Oil, Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and Antifreeze
  • This program will be in effect as of August 1, 2025.
  • Read the stewardship plan. 
• Circular Materials: Packaging and Printed Paper
  • This program will be in effect as of November 1, 2025
  • The stewardship plan details are being finalized and will be released soon.
• Product Care: Hazardous and Special Products
  • The stewardship plan has not been submitted by the regulated timeline; however, Product Care has committed to submitting a plan to the Government of Yukon by the Summer 2025 with anticipated program start in the Fall 2025.

Stewards must register with the relevant Producer Responsibility Organizations to be compliant with the regulation. For any questions or concerns contact the Producer Responsibility Organizations or email [email protected].

Small packaging and printed paper stewards must start keeping detailed records of their business activities to prove that they qualify for an exemption from the program. These records should show their revenue, the volume of products supplied or registered charitable status. 

Next steps

To develop and approve EPR's program plans for implementation by the end of 2025. 

Learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility

Read Extended Producer Responsibility in the Yukon – exploration and implementation considerations (2021):

• Executive summary
• Part 1: Current programs and infrastructure
• Part 2: Introduction and basics
• Part 3: Engagement
• Part 4: Regulatory vision and priority materials

Read the basics of Extended Producer Responsibility (2022)

Read the economic analysis of development and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility in the Yukon (2023).

Read the waste flow study on printed paper and packaging generated by Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sectors in the Yukon (2023).

Learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility by watching this video.