BCMB’s Path Forward Based on Stakeholder Feedback
As Alberta’s beverage container recycling system regulator, Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) is committed to maintaining the province’s system as one of the most efficient in Canada, setting the standard for the collection and recycling of the highest-quality, cleanest recycled materials in the nation.
To uphold this standard, BCMB has been consulting with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and Albertans regarding the challenges crystal and ceramic beverage containers pose to recycling.
This article provides an update on the outcomes of the consultation process and announces BCMB’s path forward.
The BCMB Consultation Process
In July, BCMB initiated this process to determine the cost and significant contamination risk these low-volume materials pose to the glass recycling stream. The consultation is designed to be transparent, ensuring all stakeholders’ voices inform the direction of this initiative.
Phase 1: Stakeholder Problematic Materials Information Document
Key Findings from Phase 2 Stakeholder Survey
The Phase 2 survey, which closed on September 30, 2025 collected feedback from Alberta’s beverage registrants (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) regarding their usage, reliance, and preference on ceramic and crystal beverage containers.
- Containers Are Not Crucial to Most Operations
A significant majority of respondents confirm that crystal and ceramic containers are a marginal component of their overall business:
- 61.9% stated that these materials are Not Important to their current revenue or product offering.
- Over half (50.8%) reported that crystal/ceramic containers account for less than 1% of their total beverage volume sold in Alberta.
This finding confirms that the materials are predominantly used for niche, specialty, or premium products, not core operations.
2. Industry Preferences
While the materials are not crucial to business, Alberta beverage registrants are hesitant to support a phase-out of the two material streams:
- 40.0% of respondents do not believe BCMB should consider phasing out these materials.
- 44.4% of respondents were Neutral/Unsure about the concept.
Phase 2/3: Stakeholder Survey & Findings
Next Steps
The path forward is focused on three main areas:
3. Further Consultation
BCMB will continue prioritize direct consultation with key stakeholders, including Alberta’s beverage registrants and collaborate with major industry partners like the Alberta Bottle Depot Association (ABDA) and the Collection System Agent, Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC), to understand the full impact of a potential phase-out.
4. Board and Government Alignment
Second, BCMB will ensure regulatory alignment by sharing all feedback and findings with its Board of Directors and the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas.
5. Greater Exploration
BCMB is also committed to technical exploration and mitigating contamination. This includes continued research into viable recycling methods and using BCMB’s Recycling Verification Working Group to evaluate solutions. To reduce the contamination of the glass stream, the BCMB is exploring regulatory measures such as enhanced labeling, increased Container Recycling Fees (CRF) or deposits, or setting material use limits. The goal is to find innovative solutions and ensure the integrity of the recycling system.
BCMB thanks all stakeholders for their feedback. Stakeholder input has been valuable in shaping Alberta’s position as the best beverage container recycling system in Canada.
Should you have any immediate questions or require clarification on the information presented in this BCMB’s Stakeholder Consultation regarding the potential phase-out of ceramic and crystal from Alberta’s beverage container recycling system, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bcmb.ab.ca.
This page will be continually updated with information regarding the implementation timeline, opportunities for consultation and the results of our ongoing work into verified recycling technologies. Please check back regularly for the latest updates.