Here's how a Canada wide plastics registry could save you money

The Canadian government has proposed a strategy to monitor plastics, which could potentially increase consumer earnings and decrease plastic waste in landfills. The government made it known on Tuesday that it is currently seeking contributions on a new national plastic registry system. This system could lead to profitable arrangements where corporations are motivated to salvage waste plastic and reward Canadians and retailers who deposit leftover plastic pieces.

Calvin Lakhan, a research scientist at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, commented on the issue stating, “Plastic waste is a commodity like anything else. Currently, we aren't proficient at recycling our plastics.” The registry system would be accountable for a range of plastic items produced within the country, including food and beverage containers, household appliances, clothing, tires and fishing gear.

According to government information, the reporting requirements would most likely be assigned to plastic producers, as opposed to consumers. This information would be utilized to assess the progress towards zero plastic waste and enhance the transition towards a circular economy, as reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

It is expected that plastic item producers would bear the responsibility of documenting how many items enter the market and the eventual fate of these items. The Canadian federal government states it discarded 4.4 million tons of plastic waste in 2019, out of which only nine per cent was recycled.

Although the primary goal of the registry is to diminish the pollution and damage caused by plastic waste, the government also suggests that it could aid businesses in making better investment decisions to improve the design, production, collection, and management of plastics. This proposed model presents a “significant opportunity” for both consumers and businesses, according to Lakhan.

A notable example is the successful application of a deposit return system to manage plastic waste tracking and minimization by the Red Apron, a gourmet grocer located in downtown Ottawa. Customers are offered between $0.50 and $1.00 for returning the container.

As the Canadian government advances with its new regulations, manufacturers across the country might consider adopting similar return incentive models. However, an industry group with over 100 members from the consumer packaged goods sector voiced concerns about the feasibility of what the government is asking from manufacturers in some respects.

The proposed plastics registry complements existing reporting requirements and is set to be introduced in 2025, with full implementation anticipated by 2028. It is aimed at helping the government reach its goal of eliminating plastic waste by 2030. The development of the registry is open for consultation until February 13.