Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Mandate and Vision
3. Values and Principles
4. Delegated Administrative Organizations (DAO)
5. Industry Collaboration
6. How the System Works
7. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) plays a vital role in environmental stewardship within Alberta. Established under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, it operates as a not-for-profit organization, incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta. The BCMB's primary responsibility is to oversee Alberta's beverage container recycling system, leading the policy and program development to enable efficient recycling across the province.

2. Mandate and Vision

Mandate

The BCMB aims to regulate and enhance a leading beverage container system that actively protects Alberta's environment.

Vision

Its vision is to be the foremost leader in the stewardship of beverage containers, minimizing their impact on the environment.

3. Values and Principles

The core values guiding the BCMB's efforts include:

• Health and Safety: Ensuring a safe environment for both customers and staff.
• Regulatory Role: Striving for leadership in the oversight of beverage container recycling.
• Circular Economy: Encouraging a system that takes products from development to end-of-life.
• Targets and Accountability: Developing meaningful and measurable targets for continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Emphasizing collaboration and joint decision-making.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a culture that reflects Alberta's diverse population.
• Innovation and Technology: Seeking opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collection and Recycling Rates: Aiming for the highest possible return of containers with minimal environmental impact.
• Awareness and Public Participation: Educating and encouraging participation in recycling.

4. Delegated Administrative Organizations (DAO)

The BCMB functions as a Delegated Administrative Organization (DAO), an independent entity under the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. DAOs uniquely encourage participation from industry, government, and the public, primarily through appointments to the Board of Directors.

5. Industry Collaboration

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Alberta's beverage container recycling industry. Cooperation with stakeholders has made it one of the most successful systems in North America. The BCMB fosters a system that is innovative in its sustainability efforts.

6. How the System Works

The Alberta beverage container recycling system is an exemplary model of a circular economy. Using a refund-deposit system, containers are guided from production to recycling and back to production. This approach reduces reliance on virgin materials, prevents landfill disposal, and stimulates a vibrant economy that supports social programs and communities.

7. Conclusion

The BCMB's comprehensive approach, built on strong values and principles, effective collaboration, and innovative recycling processes, positions Alberta as a leader in beverage container recycling. Through ongoing commitment to its mandate and vision, the BCMB continues to make strides in protecting Alberta's environment for future generations.

This blog post offers a glimpse into the vital work of the BCMB, shining a spotlight on the dedication and innovation that drive Alberta's successful beverage container recycling system.