Manitoba is working towards a transition to full extended producer responsibility (EPR) for residential recycling.
Under full EPR, producers will assume full financial and operational responsibility for residential recycling. Communities then choose how residential recycling collection services are delivered locally.
MMSM’s goal is to support a consistent, province-wide system while maintaining reliable service for residents.
Residents can expect recycling services to continue without disruption throughout the transition.
Community options
Once the transition plan is approved, communities will choose between two approaches for residential recycling collection.
- Program-led (opt-out)
MMSM manages residential recycling collection services and contracts service providers directly. - Community-led (opt-in)
The community manages residential collection services as a contractor to MMSM and is paid for those services.
In both cases:
- MMSM funds the system
- Service standards and accepted materials will be consistent across the province
- MMSM works with communities during and after the transition
Key differences between approaches
| Responsibility | Community-led (opt-in) | Program-led (opt-out) |
|---|---|---|
| Collection management | Community | MMSM |
| Program funding | MMSM | MMSM |
| Contractor management | Community | MMSM |
| Service delivery | Community | MMSM |
| Post-Collection Management | MMSM | MMSM |
Program-led approach
Under a program-led approach, MMSM manages residential recycling collection services and contracts service providers directly.
Communities are not responsible for managing collection operations or contractor oversight. MMSM assumes responsibility for contractor management, service delivery, and system performance.
Communities continue to play an important local role. This may include:
- providing local operational information
- supporting service communication with residents
- acting as a local point of contact
- updating household counts
MMSM will work with communities throughout the transition and ongoing service delivery.
Service delivery
MMSM, through its contracted service provider, is responsible for:
- collection schedules
- pickup frequency
- contractor coordination
- service performance management
Community-led approach
Under a community-led approach, the community continues to manage residential recycling collection services, either using municipal staff or a contracted provider.
The community acts as a service provider to MMSM and must meet requirements set out in the Master Services Agreement and Statement of Work.
MMSM pays the community for the services it delivers and will be responsible for material processing.
Funding
MMSM will provide a funding offer tailored to each community’s recycling program.
Funding offers are based on factors such as:
- historical cost data
- number of households
- collection frequency
- transportation distances
- infrastructure considerations
- other relevant program information
The offer is intended to cover the full cost of the program.
If a community accepts the offer, it is responsible for delivering services within that amount. Additional funding will not be provided if costs exceed the accepted amount.
Choosing an approach
Communities will need to determine which approach best aligns with their local priorities and capacity.
Considerations may include:
- desired level of control over collection operations
- internal staffing and administrative capacity
- ability to deliver services within the funding offer
- familiarity with existing service arrangements
- long-term operational responsibilities
Transition timing
The transition to full EPR will occur in phases and will not happen across the province at once. If approved, MMSM will provide communities with a transition timeline and a funding offer to support decision-making.
The overall process is expected to take approximately four years following ministerial approval:
- an initial preparation period
- a three-year phased implementation
Communities will transition at different times based on:
- geographic catchments
- existing contract timelines
- readiness
- operational considerations
Communities will receive advance notice of their transition timing and funding offer.
Communities may require approximately 3 to 12 months to review their offer, determine their preferred approach, and obtain council approval.
What is still being finalized
Some program details are still being developed, including:
- reporting requirements
- service level specifications
- MMSM will continue to share updates as these elements are finalized.
Next steps
MMSM is available to support communities as they prepare for transition to full EPR.
Communities that would like to review their options or discuss their current program are encouraged to contact MMSM to arrange a discussion.
Questions and updates
Contact MMSM
MMSM is available to answer questions on the proposed transition, timelines, and next steps.
Communities that would like to review their options or discuss their current program are encouraged to contact our Field Services team:
Kristin Houle
Senior Manager
Field Services
Kalin McDonald
Manager, Collection
Field Services
Amelia Marshall
Operations Specialist
Field Services
Any questions? Just ask.
Phone: 1-877-952-2010 (toll-free)