The Government of Yukon is pausing the implementation of the hazardous and special waste program, the fourth program originally scheduled to begin in January 2026 under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation. The Government of Yukon is working with partners to ensure options for hazardous and special waste collection services remain available for Yukoners.
While the hazardous and special waste program is paused, the three EPR programs currently in operation for batteries, automotive products and paper and packaging, will continue to operate. This includes continued curbside collection and public drop-off depots for paper and packaging.
Pausing the expansion of EPR allows the Government of Yukon to re-engage with businesses, producer responsibility organizations and other stakeholders across all EPR programs in the coming months, without disrupting waste management services in the territory. The Government of Yukon will be gathering feedback on the effectiveness, affordability and sustainability of existing EPR programs, to better understand how they are working in the Yukon context.
The Government of Yukon remains committed to recycling and waste diversion while ensuring programs are viable and sustainable for both Yukon residents and businesses. Thank you to Yukon businesses and producer responsibility organizations for your continued engagement as we take the time to ensure EPR programs are effective, affordable and sustainable and provide the best waste management system for the Yukon.
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The EPR regulation came into effect in the Yukon in January 2024. It is a policy framework that shifts the costs of recycling from taxpayers to producers, making producers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.
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The hazardous and special waste program would expand EPR to products such as paints, solvents and other household hazardous wastes. Implementation of the program is anticipated no earlier than August 1, 2026, following engagement with businesses, Producer Responsibility Organizations and stakeholders.
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Household hazardous and special waste is currently managed by the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse with free disposal available at local solid waste facilities and collection events.
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Commercial hazardous and special waste will continue to be managed by licensed private operators under the Yukon’s Special Waste Regulations.
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary 867-335-2419
[email protected]
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
[email protected]