EPR is a policy approach that shifts the cost and management of recycling materials to  businesses that supply these materials in the marketplace. EPR is known as one of the most effective ways to improve recycling rates and advance recycling systems. This includes enabling innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels and access to materials. 

The transition to EPR comes following the Government of the Yukon’s introduction of EPR regulation for packaging and paper products on January 25, 2024. As the designated PRO in the Yukon, Circular Materials supports businesses, also known as producers, to meet their EPR regulatory obligations across the territory.  

On February 1, 2025, the Government of Yukon approved Circular Materials’ Stewardship Plan for Packaging, Paper and Single-Use Products. As part of the Stewardship Plan and EPR program development, Circular Materials engaged with Yukon residents, municipalities, First Nations and service providers to reflect the unique needs of the North and the priorities of its residents and communities. This included in-person meetings, focus group research and community discovery sessions to understand local recycling behaviours and opportunities.  

“As the first territory in Canada to adopt EPR, this is an important milestone for the North. The transition to EPR marks the beginning of a journey toward the development of a circular economy in the Yukon, where materials can be recycled and looped back into the system to be used in the creation of new packaging and paper products. We are proud to mark this important milestone with Yukoner residents, producers, communities, First Nations and the government. We look forward to working together to strengthen local recycling systems, improve recycling rates and environmental outcomes,” said Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials. 

“Circular Materials’ recognizes that the Yukon has unique infrastructure, geographic and community needs. Moments like these take a tremendous amount of collaboration and I want to share a big thank you to all the communities and our supply chain partners throughout the Yukon for the ongoing collaboration and hard work to build and support the transition to EPR,” said Blaire Gaalaas, Managing Director of Alberta and Yukon, Circular Materials. “ 
 
As part of the transition to EPR in Whitehorse, residents will continue to receive the same curbside collection of their blue bins with no change to their service provider or collection schedules. In addition, we are pleased to share that as of November 1, 2025, Whitehorse residents will be able to take their packaging and paper materials to Raven ReCentre for recycling. The City’s temporary recycling depot at the Waste Management Facility will be closed permanently on October 31, 2025. 

Circular Materials is committed to a seamless transition for Yukoners. Yukon residents are encouraged to visit circularmaterials.ca/yt to learn more about recycling in their specific community.  

Additionally, Circular Materials is launching a Recycling App in the Yukon which will allow residents to receive recycling collection reminders, recycling guides and service alerts easily and conveniently. Starting November 1, 2025, residents can visit circularmaterials.ca/app to find out more and to download the app.  

Looking ahead, we will continue to work with all partners to deliver an efficient and effective recycling program that meets the needs of Yukon residents and advances a circular economy. In 2027, Circular Materials plans to introduce a standardized list of materials to make recycling consistent throughout the Yukon, and we look forward to working with partners on further recycling opportunities to come.  

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MEDIA CONTACT: media@circularmaterials.ca  

ABOUT CIRCULAR MATERIALS – Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that supports producers in meeting their extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations across Canada. Created by producers for producers, Circular Materials develops, implements and supports effective and efficient recycling programs to advance innovation, deliver improved environmental outcomes and drive value across the recycling supply chain. Our full-service offerings include collection, management, promotion and education, and reporting.  

Together, we are advancing the circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and can be returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging. As we develop enhanced recycling systems across Canada, we work to ensure more materials are looped into the circular economy, benefiting both people and the environment. Learn more at www.circularmaterials.ca.