We Would Like to Hear Your Thoughts
BCMB’s role is to regulate and enhance a leading and sustainable beverage container system that protects Alberta’s environment. As Alberta’s population grows and the province’s beverage container recycling system evolves, we are taking a close look at every material that flows through our recycling system.
Currently, BCMB is in consultation with the province’s manufacturers, distributors, and retailers about the potential phase-out of crystal and ceramic beverage containers from Alberta’s designated container list. The reality is that, today, these materials lack true, widespread recycling methods that are economically feasible and environmentally sound within existing infrastructure.
At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive to remove materials from Alberta’s recycling program. However, as it stands today, while these containers are technically registered in the system, they face significant challenges that make them problematic materials.
As Alberta’s beverage container recycling regulator, BCMB’s authority to make these changes is rooted in its mandate. According to Section 4.8 of the Manufacturer and Retailer By-law, BCMB shall not register any container that cannot be recycled by an “Approved Method of Recycling.” While currently, ceramic and crystal containers are still deemed to be recyclable by an Approved Method, the reality is that there are little to no economically feasible or widespread recycling methods for these materials within Alberta’s existing infrastructure.
A Small Fraction of the Market, A Big Impact on Effective Recycling
You might be surprised to learn how few of these containers are actually sold. In 2024, crystal and ceramic containers represented a small fraction—just 0.1% of Alberta’s 2.6 billion total beverage container sales.
The sales data below helps put the issue of ceramic and crystal materials into perspective, showing that the consultation is focused on a very small part of the overall market.
However, as previously mentioned, these same materials can have a disproportionately large negative impact on processors, recyclers and end users of recycled beverage container materials.
What’s Next? We Want to Hear from You
BCMB is committed to a transparent process. While we are consulting with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers on the potential phase-out of ceramic and crystal beverage containers, it’s also vital to hear from the public.
Your input helps us ensure Alberta’s recycling system remains effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible. We’re actively seeking your feedback on these specific beverage container materials to understand your thoughts and behaviours.
Public Consultation Survey: Proposed Phase-Out of Crystal and Ceramic Containers
As the regulator of Alberta’s beverage container recycling system, BCMB is committed to enhancing a leading and sustainable beverage container system that protects Alberta’s environment.
Our industry and public outreach are designed to provide foundational information and outline the reasons behind these potential changes. BCMB sees this as an opportunity to work together with all of our system stakeholders to ensure Alberta remains a national and global leader in efficient and contamination-free recycling. It’s about ensuring our recycling system is not just robust in the short term, but also responsible and sustainable for the long run.