New Brunswick’s Designated Materials Regulation under the Clean Environment Act shifts responsibility for recycling materials to producers – the organizations that produce packaging and paper.
On November 1, 2023, the province began transitioning recycling programs to an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework.
In July 2024, the Government of New Brunswick released the updated Designated Materials Regulation with the intent to standardize requirements for the various EPR and stewardship programs across New Brunswick. To meet the new regulation, Circular Materials submitted a new Stewardship Plan on behalf of producers for 2026-2028. The Board of Recycle NB sets the period for the Stewardship Plan approval which can be up to five years.
To support ongoing collaboration with RSCs, entities, and First Nation communities, we have established a Municipal and First Nations Working Group as a forum to ask questions, share feedback and directly engage with our team.
Register for the meeting series here
You only need to register once to attend Municipal Working Group meetings. Once registered, you will be sent a confirmation email from Zoom and can add all the meeting dates to your calendar.
Check out our FAQs below to find out more about the new recycling system in New Brunswick. If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@circularmaterials.ca.
New Brunswick’s recycling system has transitioned to a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) model where it is 100% funded and operated by producers – those that sell packaging and paper products to residents. Circular Materials is the not-for-profit organization responsible for the system and representing producers to ensure they meet their obligations under the new framework. Under the new system, producers are now financially responsible and accountable for managing the waste associated with their packaging and paper products.
Circular Materials is collaborating with a network of redemption centres across New Brunswick to provide a convenient way to recycle these materials. You can drop off glass, white polystyrene foam, beverage cardboard, and flexible plastics at a participating redemption centre near you. Find a location and learn more here.
EPR is a framework in which brand owners – the businesses that supply packaging and paper to residents – are responsible for managing the end-of-life management of these materials. EPR enables innovation, operational efficiencies, increased standard levels, and access to materials. It is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates.
Circular Materials is a national not-for-profit organization that is committed to building an efficient and effective recycling system in New Brunswick. As recycling in the province transitions to EPR, Circular Materials supports brand owners in delivering a best-in-class system that continues to provide recycling services to residents and meet their obligations under the Designated Materials Regulation.
EPR is recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms to improve recycling rates and advance a circular economy where materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers for use as recycled content in new products and packaging.
