National propane recycling initiative to benefit propane industry

Provinces across the country are moving towards requiring household hazardous waste recycling programs. The CPA is playing an integral role in the development of these programs to ensure that they meet the needs of the propane industry.

Saskatchewan released its Household Hazardous Waste Products Stewardship Regulations, which requires first sellers to either develop programs or join a stewardship group. British Columbia and Quebec are currently evaluating the impacts of pressurized fuel containers in the waste stream. And Manitoba has a program currently being run by an organization called Product Care while in Ontario, Stewardship Ontario is winding up their waste program.

The CPA is working with members to develop a cost effective and streamlined national approach. The CPA has met with the Ontario government on the Association’s approach to develop a national recycling program that would benefit the propane industry. CPA Board Chair Dan Kelly and President & CEO Nathalie St-Pierre’s recent meeting with Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks was a step in the right direction. The Honourable Jeff Yurek said the ministry is open for the recycling program to only require the recycling of propane cylinders that are less than five pounds. Previous requirements included cylinders of a wide range of sizes, which dramatically increases costs, particularly on larger cylinders that already have incentive to be recycled.

Next steps include a meeting with the Ontario ministry to design a regulation supporting the CPA's position for the Association to design a program plan that will be presented in both Ontario and Saskatchewan.