During the September 2 Committee of the Whole meeting, Cochrane Town Council received an update on the newly adopted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, an initiative that is already delivering financial benefits for the community.
The province-wide program, which Cochrane adopted on April 1, 2025, shifts the cost of recycling away from municipalities and onto the producers of packaging, paper products, batteries, and hazardous waste.
“The initial savings created by the implementation of Alberta’s EPR program is a win for residents,” said Shawn Tooth, Director of Utilities for the Town of Cochrane. “Thanks to the efforts of residents, Cochrane already has one of the best waste diversion rates in Canada.”
Under the program, Cochrane will receive $938,687 in 2025 through EPR contracts. Council will determine how these funds are allocated during an upcoming discussion on the 2025 operational surplus.
Currently, about 65% of residential collection is diverted through recycling and organics programs. The EPR model reduces costs for the Town by covering collection and delivery expenses for sorting, recycling, and reuse.
While long-term decisions about recycling will fall under Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)—groups representing the producers—no immediate changes are expected. Materials accepted in Cochrane’s blue carts or at the Eco Centre remain the same for 2025.
Residents looking for up-to-date information on accepted recyclable materials can visit cochrane.ca/wasteandrecycling. To learn more about the EPR program, visit cochrane.ca/EPR.
