British Columbia EPR per pound: 2026, published rates, modulation and change
Last verified
The 2026 packaging fee schedule for British Columbia lists 23 categories with a rate in Canadian cents per kilogram. Rates run from 29 for Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books to 407 for Expanded Polystyrene. Instica read each figure from the publisher's schedule, retrieved October 22, 2026.
How the fee is built
The base of the fee is a rate per kilogram of packaging placed on the market, by material. Small producers may pay a flat fee by band instead of the per-weight rates.
Flat fees for small producers
A producer whose supply falls inside one of these bands may pay the flat fee shown instead of the per-weight rates. Check the eligibility column against your own supply before you rely on a band.
| Band | Eligibility | Supply range | Flat fee |
|---|---|---|---|
bc_flat_1 | Low-volume producer (simplified report) | 1,000 – 2,499 kg | 1,500 CAD |
bc_flat_2 | Low-volume producer (simplified report) | 2,500 – 4,999 kg | 3,500 CAD |
bc_flat_3 | Low-volume producer (simplified report) | 5,000 – 9,999 kg | 8,300 CAD |
bc_flat_4 | Low-volume producer (simplified report) | 10,000 – 15,000 kg | 13,900 CAD |
Every published rate
The table lists all 23 categories of the schedule with the rate exactly as published, in Canadian cents per kilogram. The last column converts each rate to CAD per tonne (1 tonne is 1,000 kg; 1 lb is 0.45359237 kg) so it can be compared with other schedules.
| Code | Category | Material | Rate (Canadian cents per kilogram) | Converted (CAD per tonne) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BC-newsprint | Newsprint | 76 | 760.00 | |
BC-magazines-catalogues-telephone-books | Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books | 29 | 290.00 | |
BC-other-printed-paper | Other Printed Paper | 80 | 800.00 | |
BC-corrugated-cardboard | Corrugated Cardboard | 60 | 600.00 | |
BC-kraft-paper | Kraft Paper | 77 | 770.00 | |
BC-boxboard | Boxboard | 37 | 370.00 | |
BC-gable-top-cartons | Gable Top Cartons | 80 | 800.00 | |
BC-paper-laminates | Paper Laminates | 77 | 770.00 | |
BC-aseptic-containers | Aseptic Containers | 91 | 910.00 | |
BC-pet-bottles | PET Bottles | 97 | 970.00 | |
BC-pet-thermoforms | PET Thermoforms | 134 | 1,340.00 | |
BC-hdpe-bottles | HDPE Bottles | 47 | 470.00 | |
BC-plastic-film | Plastic Film | 184 | 1,840.00 | |
BC-plastic-laminates | Plastic Laminates | 184 | 1,840.00 | |
BC-expanded-polystyrene | Expanded Polystyrene | 407 | 4,070.00 | |
BC-rigid-polystyrene | Rigid Polystyrene | 151 | 1,510.00 | |
BC-other-plastics | Other Plastics | 101 | 1,010.00 | |
BC-other-steel-packaging-including-paint-cans | Other Steel Packaging including Paint Cans | 68 | 680.00 | |
BC-steel-aerosols | Steel Aerosols | 48 | 480.00 | |
BC-aluminum-food-other-containers | Aluminum Food & Other Containers | 48 | 480.00 | |
BC-other-aluminum-packaging | Other Aluminum Packaging | 70 | 700.00 | |
BC-clear-glass | Clear Glass | 58 | 580.00 | |
BC-coloured-glass | Coloured Glass | 58 | 580.00 |
The most and least expensive categories
These are the 5 categories with the highest and the lowest published rate in British Columbia for 2026. The ranking uses the per-tonne figure where the schedule can be converted, so every row is on the same scale.
| Rank | Category | Published rate | CAD per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Expanded Polystyrene | 407 | 4,070.00 |
| 2 | Plastic Film | 184 | 1,840.00 |
| 3 | Plastic Laminates | 184 | 1,840.00 |
| 4 | Rigid Polystyrene | 151 | 1,510.00 |
| 5 | PET Thermoforms | 134 | 1,340.00 |
| Rank | Category | Published rate | CAD per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books | 29 | 290.00 |
| 2 | Boxboard | 37 | 370.00 |
| 3 | HDPE Bottles | 47 | 470.00 |
| 4 | Steel Aerosols | 48 | 480.00 |
| 5 | Aluminum Food & Other Containers | 48 | 480.00 |
Across the schedule the spread between the highest and the lowest rate is 3,780.00 CAD per tonne, a factor of 14.0. The mean rate is 983.48 and the median 770.00 CAD per tonne. These are plain averages over the listed categories, not weighted by tonnage.
Change from 2025
23 categories are priced in both the 2025 and the 2026 schedules for British Columbia. Of these, 21 rose, 2 fell and 0 did not change; the mean change is 16.5 %. The table compares the rates category by category.
| Category | 2025 (Canadian cents per kilogram) | 2026 (Canadian cents per kilogram) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsprint | 69 | 76 | 10.1 % |
| Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books | 28 | 29 | 3.6 % |
| Other Printed Paper | 72 | 80 | 11.1 % |
| Corrugated Cardboard | 53 | 60 | 13.2 % |
| Kraft Paper | 53 | 77 | 45.3 % |
| Boxboard | 31 | 37 | 19.4 % |
| Gable Top Cartons | 69 | 80 | 15.9 % |
| Paper Laminates | 62 | 77 | 24.2 % |
| Aseptic Containers | 83 | 91 | 9.6 % |
| PET Bottles | 98 | 97 | -1.0 % |
| PET Thermoforms | 98 | 134 | 36.7 % |
| HDPE Bottles | 40 | 47 | 17.5 % |
| Plastic Film | 146 | 184 | 26.0 % |
| Plastic Laminates | 146 | 184 | 26.0 % |
| Expanded Polystyrene | 310 | 407 | 31.3 % |
| Rigid Polystyrene | 125 | 151 | 20.8 % |
| Other Plastics | 86 | 101 | 17.4 % |
| Other Steel Packaging including Paint Cans | 62 | 68 | 9.7 % |
| Steel Aerosols | 42 | 48 | 14.3 % |
| Aluminum Food & Other Containers | 59 | 48 | -18.6 % |
| Other Aluminum Packaging | 67 | 70 | 4.5 % |
| Clear Glass | 48 | 58 | 20.8 % |
| Coloured Glass | 48 | 58 | 20.8 % |
The 2027 schedule for British Columbia follows. Of 23 categories priced in both, 19 rise, 4 fall and 0 stay the same; its page shows each change.
How it compares
Other years of the same programme
Instica also holds these schedules for British Columbia. Each page shows the rates of that year.
- 2025: Recycle BC (23)
- 2027: Recycle BC (23)
Every priced category against its own schedule
The 2026 schedule for British Columbia prices 23 categories. Each one below is set against the other rates of the same schedule: its place in the ranking and its distance from the schedule mean.
British Columbia 2026: Newsprint is charged 76 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 760.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 13 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.77 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 10.1 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -3.8 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books is charged 29 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 290.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 23 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.29 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 3.6 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -3.3 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Other Printed Paper is charged 80 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 800.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 9 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.81 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 11.1 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -3.6 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Corrugated Cardboard is charged 60 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 600.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 16 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.61 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 13.2 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.8 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Kraft Paper is charged 77 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 770.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 11 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.78 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 45.3 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.9 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Boxboard is charged 37 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 370.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 22 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.38 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 19.4 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -2.6 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Gable Top Cartons is charged 80 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 800.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 9 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.81 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 15.9 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -5.9 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Paper Laminates is charged 77 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 770.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 11 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.78 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 24.2 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -3.7 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Aseptic Containers is charged 91 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 910.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 8 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.93 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 9.6 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -8.1 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: PET Bottles is charged 97 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 970.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 7 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.99 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves -1.0 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -9.3 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: PET Thermoforms is charged 134 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 1,340.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 5 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 1.36 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 36.7 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -1.5 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: HDPE Bottles is charged 47 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 470.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 21 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.48 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 17.5 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves 4.4 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Plastic Film is charged 184 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 1,840.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 2 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 1.87 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 26.0 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves 5.7 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Plastic Laminates is charged 184 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 1,840.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 2 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 1.87 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 26.0 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves 5.7 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Expanded Polystyrene is charged 407 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 4,070.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 1 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 4.14 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 31.3 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -7.1 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Rigid Polystyrene is charged 151 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 1,510.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 4 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 1.54 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 20.8 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -6.2 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Other Plastics is charged 101 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 1,010.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 6 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 1.03 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 17.4 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -3.8 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Other Steel Packaging including Paint Cans is charged 68 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 680.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 15 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.69 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 9.7 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.2 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Steel Aerosols is charged 48 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 480.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 19 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.49 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 14.3 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.0 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Aluminum Food & Other Containers is charged 48 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 480.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 19 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.49 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves -18.6 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves 37.1 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Other Aluminum Packaging is charged 70 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 700.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 14 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.71 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 4.5 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -2.8 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Clear Glass is charged 58 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 580.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 17 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.59 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 20.8 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.9 % in the 2026 schedule.
British Columbia 2026: Coloured Glass is charged 58 Canadian cents per kilogram, which is 580.00 CAD per tonne. In the 2026 schedule it ranks 17 of 23 priced categories from the highest rate down, at 0.59 times the schedule mean of 983.48 CAD per tonne. Against the 2025 schedule the same category moves 20.8 % in the 2026 schedule. Against the 2027 schedule the same category moves -4.9 % in the 2026 schedule.
Fees at standard weights
The same engine that runs the fee calculator on this site prices each category of the 2026 schedule for British Columbia at four standard weights, in CAD. These are estimates built from the published rates; they leave out modulation, flat tiers and any other fee.
| Category | 100 g (CAD) | 1 kg (CAD) | 10 kg (CAD) | 1 tonne (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newsprint | CA$0.0760 | CA$0.7600 | CA$7.60 | CA$760.00 |
| Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books | CA$0.0290 | CA$0.2900 | CA$2.90 | CA$290.00 |
| Other Printed Paper | CA$0.0800 | CA$0.8000 | CA$8.00 | CA$800.00 |
| Corrugated Cardboard | CA$0.0600 | CA$0.6000 | CA$6.00 | CA$600.00 |
| Kraft Paper | CA$0.0770 | CA$0.7700 | CA$7.70 | CA$770.00 |
| Boxboard | CA$0.0370 | CA$0.3700 | CA$3.70 | CA$370.00 |
| Gable Top Cartons | CA$0.0800 | CA$0.8000 | CA$8.00 | CA$800.00 |
| Paper Laminates | CA$0.0770 | CA$0.7700 | CA$7.70 | CA$770.00 |
| Aseptic Containers | CA$0.0910 | CA$0.9100 | CA$9.10 | CA$910.00 |
| PET Bottles | CA$0.0970 | CA$0.9700 | CA$9.70 | CA$970.00 |
| PET Thermoforms | CA$0.1340 | CA$1.34 | CA$13.40 | CA$1,340.00 |
| HDPE Bottles | CA$0.0470 | CA$0.4700 | CA$4.70 | CA$470.00 |
| Plastic Film | CA$0.1840 | CA$1.84 | CA$18.40 | CA$1,840.00 |
| Plastic Laminates | CA$0.1840 | CA$1.84 | CA$18.40 | CA$1,840.00 |
| Expanded Polystyrene | CA$0.4070 | CA$4.07 | CA$40.70 | CA$4,070.00 |
| Rigid Polystyrene | CA$0.1510 | CA$1.51 | CA$15.10 | CA$1,510.00 |
| Other Plastics | CA$0.1010 | CA$1.01 | CA$10.10 | CA$1,010.00 |
| Other Steel Packaging including Paint Cans | CA$0.0680 | CA$0.6800 | CA$6.80 | CA$680.00 |
| Steel Aerosols | CA$0.0480 | CA$0.4800 | CA$4.80 | CA$480.00 |
| Aluminum Food & Other Containers | CA$0.0480 | CA$0.4800 | CA$4.80 | CA$480.00 |
| Other Aluminum Packaging | CA$0.0700 | CA$0.7000 | CA$7.00 | CA$700.00 |
| Clear Glass | CA$0.0580 | CA$0.5800 | CA$5.80 | CA$580.00 |
| Coloured Glass | CA$0.0580 | CA$0.5800 | CA$5.80 | CA$580.00 |
Dates this schedule carries
The dates on file for the 2026 schedule of British Columbia, with the date Instica last checked the rates against the source.
| Item | On file |
|---|---|
| Effective from | January 1, 2026 |
| Effective until | December 31, 2026 |
| Rates last checked | October 22, 2026 |
| Categories with a verified rate | 23 |
| Categories not yet published | 0 |
How these categories map to the materials Instica uses
For 20 categories of the 2026 schedule for British Columbia, Instica proposes the taxonomy materials they usually cover. These are proposed mappings for you to check against your own packaging, not the regulator's.
| Category in the schedule | Taxonomy materials |
|---|---|
| Corrugated Cardboard | OCC cardboard — without plastic; Waxed OCC — without plastic; Kraft paper — with plastic; Waxed OCC — with plastic; OCC cardboard — with plastic; Paperboard — with plastic; White paper — with plastic; Other/mixed paper — with plastic |
| Kraft Paper | Kraft paper — without plastic; Kraft paper — with plastic; Waxed OCC — with plastic; OCC cardboard — with plastic; Paperboard — with plastic; White paper — with plastic; Other/mixed paper — with plastic; Molded fiber — with plastic |
| Boxboard | Paperboard — without plastic; White paper — without plastic; Other/mixed paper — without plastic; Molded fiber — without plastic; Paper and fiber — small without plastic; Kraft paper — with plastic; Waxed OCC — with plastic; OCC cardboard — with plastic |
| Gable Top Cartons | Multi-material laminate — gable-top cartons |
| Paper Laminates | Kraft paper — with plastic; Waxed OCC — with plastic; OCC cardboard — with plastic; Paperboard — with plastic; White paper — with plastic; Other/mixed paper — with plastic; Molded fiber — with plastic; Paper and fiber — small with plastic |
| Aseptic Containers | Multi-material laminate — aseptic cartons |
| PET Bottles | PET #1 — clear bottles, jugs, jars; PET #1 — colored bottles, jugs, jars |
| PET Thermoforms | PET #1 — rigid containers; PET #1 — other rigid items |
| HDPE Bottles | HDPE #2 — clear bottles, jugs, jars; HDPE #2 — colored bottles, jugs, jars |
| Plastic Film | PET #1 — flexible and film; HDPE #2 — flexible and film; PVC #3 — flexible and film; LDPE #4 — clear non-bag film; LDPE #4 — other flexible and film; PP #5 — clear non-bag film; PP #5 — other flexible and film; PS #6 — flexible and film |
| Plastic Laminates | Plastic multi-material laminate — pouches; Plastic multi-material laminate — other |
| Expanded Polystyrene | PS #6 — foamed containers; PS #6 — other foamed forms |
| Rigid Polystyrene | PS #6 — utensils; PS #6 — solid forms |
| Other Plastics | PET #1 — other rigid items; HDPE #2 — pails and buckets; HDPE #2 — other rigid items; PVC #3 — rigid items; LDPE #4 — bottles, jugs, jars; LDPE #4 — other rigid items; PP #5 — bottles, jugs, jars; PP #5 — rigid containers |
| Other Steel Packaging including Paint Cans | Tin/steel/bimetal — non-aerosol without plastic; Tin/steel/bimetal — non-aerosol with plastic; Tin/steel/bimetal — other forms without plastic; Tin/steel/bimetal — other forms with plastic; Other ferrous metal — without plastic; Other ferrous metal — with plastic; Metal — small without plastic; Metal — small with plastic |
| Steel Aerosols | Tin/steel/bimetal — aerosol with plastic |
| Aluminum Food & Other Containers | Aluminum — non-aerosol container without plastic; Aluminum — non-aerosol container with plastic; Aluminum — molded foil container without plastic; Aluminum — molded foil container with plastic; Aluminum — foil sheets without plastic; Aluminum — foil sheets with plastic; Aluminum — aerosol can with plastic; Aluminum — other forms without plastic |
| Other Aluminum Packaging | Aluminum — foil sheets without plastic; Aluminum — foil sheets with plastic; Aluminum — aerosol can with plastic; Aluminum — other forms without plastic; Aluminum — other forms with plastic; Metal — small without plastic; Metal — small with plastic |
| Clear Glass | Glass — bottles and jars without plastic; Glass — bottles and jars with plastic; Glass — other forms without plastic; Glass — other forms with plastic; Glass — small without plastic; Glass — small with plastic |
| Coloured Glass | Glass — bottles and jars without plastic; Glass — bottles and jars with plastic; Glass — other forms without plastic; Glass — other forms with plastic; Glass — small without plastic; Glass — small with plastic |
What the schedule covers
Recycle BC sets the packaging fees for British Columbia in 2026. It applies from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, and every rate is stated in Canadian cents per kilogram, in CAD.
The schedule lists 23 categories. Every category carries a published rate.
Instica read the schedule from the publisher's own document and last retrieved it on October 22, 2026. Rates keep the precision with which they were published. Where the publisher quotes a different weight unit, the tables add a per-tonne column, converted exactly, so schedules can be set side by side.
Original wording
Recycle BC Fee Schedule (Cents/Kg)Who pays and when
The fee schedule is only half of the picture. Whether a producer pays it, and by when, depends on the rules of British Columbia. This section reads them from Instica's verified record of the jurisdiction.
The regime is: Recycling Regulation, B.C. Reg. 449/2004 (packaging and paper product category).
Thresholds
3 thresholds decide whether a producer must register, pay or report, or may use a simpler route. Each row gives the measure, the amount and what happens at it.
| Measure | Amount | Effect | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,000,000 CAD | Exempt below | gross revenue in BC, most recent calendar year |
| Tonnage supplied | 1 tonne | Exempt below | packaging and paper produced in the most recent calendar year |
| Weight of packaging | 15,000 kg | Flat-fee band | packaging and paper supplied to BC residents in a year (flat-fee bands 1,000-2,499; 2,500-4,999; 5,000-9,999; 10,000-15,000 kg) |
Exemptions
4 exemptions exist. The last column says whether the producer has to apply for it or whether it applies automatically.
| Exemption | Description | Application needed |
|---|---|---|
small producer | Businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenues in BC, or that supply less than 1,000 kg (one tonne) of packaging and paper product to BC residents | No |
single point of retail sale | Businesses that operate as a single point of retail sale and are not supplied or operated as part of a franchise, a chain or under a banner | No |
registered charity | Businesses that are a registered charity | No |
non resident direct shipper | Recycle BC FAQ states non-resident direct shippers are not obligated (they may elect to become voluntary producers) | No |
Registration
Producers must register in British Columbia. The register is Recycle BC membership, registered through the WeRecycle Portal. Who registers: The obligated producer or its agent.
Who runs the scheme
British Columbia uses a single producer responsibility organisation: Recycle BC. Membership is required.
Dates
3 dates fall in this regime. Dates that the source has not published yet are shown as not yet published.
| What | Date | Period covered |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Not yet published | previous calendar year |
| Payment | Not yet published | quarterly |
| Plan | Not yet published | annual report of approved plan |
Penalties
The source states these penalties. They are listed so a producer knows what is at stake; Instica does not calculate or advise on them.
| Violation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Offence under the Recycling Regulation | up to CA$200,000 per offence |
Data period and invoice timing
The 2026 schedule for British Columbia is effective from January 1, 2026 until December 31, 2026. The publisher does not state a separate data period, so use the supply of the fee year.
Rates are in CAD. A rate changes only when the publisher issues a new schedule, so a figure on this page stays valid for the year shown and is not adjusted for inflation or exchange rates by Instica.
The scheme sends the invoice. When an invoice and this page differ, the invoice is what you owe; use the page to check the rate per category and to estimate the fee before the invoice arrives.
How to read this schedule
Every row of the British Columbia 2026 schedule is a price for one category of packaging. The unit is Canadian cents per kilogram: the rate is what the scheme charges for each unit of that category that a producer places on the market. Instica shows the figure exactly as Recycle BC publishes it, with its source and the date Instica read it.
The source states these rates in Canadian cents, so one hundred of them make one whole unit of CAD. Instica does not round or restate a published figure. For comparison only, Instica also shows each rate as CAD per tonne. That column is arithmetic on the published figure with exact unit factors; the schedule itself is in Canadian cents per kilogram, and the scheme's own invoice decides what is charged.
Match a category by the scheme's own classification, not by how you describe the product. A bottle and its closure can fall into two rows, and the same material can sit in different rows depending on what it is used for. The code in the first column is the scheme's code, and the material column shows the material the source assigns to it.
The schedule also carries flat fees by band. A flat fee is charged by band, not per unit of weight, so it must be read apart from the per-unit rates and is not part of the rate table.
All 23 rows of this schedule carry a published rate.
Estimating with this schedule
- Weigh each packaging component on its own and note its material.
- Find the category row that matches the component under the scheme's classification.
- Convert your weight to the unit of the row, Canadian cents per kilogram, or compare in the per-tonne column when you only need a ranking.
- Multiply the weight by the rate. Instica keeps the rate, the weight and the source together so the estimate can be checked.
- Add the flat fees or other fees the schedule lists, if they apply to you.
- Review the total, then sign and submit it yourself in the scheme's portal.
Checking an invoice against this schedule
An invoice from Recycle BC for 2026 should be explainable from three things: the weights you reported, the category each weight was placed in and the rate of that category. When an invoice does not match your estimate, check these in this order.
First, the unit. A rate in Canadian cents per kilogram applied to a weight in another unit gives a result that is wrong by a constant factor. Second, the category: a different row can differ by a large amount for the same weight. Third, the period: this page covers the 2026 schedule, and a producer whose reporting period straddles two years may be charged under both.
Instica does not know your contract. Taxes, rebates, minimum charges or membership fees may sit outside the schedule on this page, in CAD or another currency. The schedule is a published reference; the scheme's invoice decides what you owe, and a query about an invoice belongs with the scheme.
Terms used on this page
- Producer
- The business that places packaged goods on the market and is therefore responsible for the packaging, under the rules of the jurisdiction.
- Scheme or organisation
- The body that collects fees from producers and pays for collection and recycling. A jurisdiction may have one, several or none.
- Fee schedule
- A published table of rates per category of packaging, with the unit, the currency and the period it covers.
- Category
- The class of packaging a rate applies to, as the scheme defines it. Categories are usually based on material, sometimes on use.
- Estimate
- A figure Instica prepares from your weights and a rate. It is not an invoice and not a filing; the scheme decides what is charged.
- Not yet published
- A value the source has not released or that Instica has not been able to read and verify. It is shown with its reason and is never replaced by a guess.
Questions and answers
What is the British Columbia packaging fee schedule for 2026?
It is the list of rates that Recycle BC charges producers in British Columbia for packaging placed on the market in 2026. This page reproduces 23 categories with the rate the publisher states, in Canadian cents per kilogram, and links every figure to its source document.
Which unit are the 2026 rates in?
They are published in Canadian cents per kilogram, in CAD. Instica shows every rate in that unit with the precision of the source. The tables also give CAD per tonne, converted exactly, so schedules that quote pounds or kilograms can be compared.
Which category is the most expensive in British Columbia?
In the 2026 schedule the highest published rate is 407 for Expanded Polystyrene and the lowest is 29 for Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone Books, both in Canadian cents per kilogram. The extremes table above lists the five highest and five lowest categories.
Is there a flat fee for small producers?
The schedule lists flat-fee bands. A producer whose supply falls inside a band and who meets its eligibility text may pay the flat fee shown instead of the weight-based rates. Check the eligibility column against your own figures, and ask the scheme if you are unsure.
Can the rates change during the year?
A published schedule changes only when the publisher issues a new version. Instica retrieved this one on October 22, 2026. If the publisher revises it, the page is rebuilt from the new source and the retrieval date moves.
How do the 2026 rates compare with 2025?
The change section compares every category priced in both years, with the rate in each year and the change as a percentage. The text above it counts how many rates rose, fell or stayed the same.
Who files the report and pays the fee?
The producer does. Instica measures, estimates and prepares the figures; you check them, sign and submit them yourself in the scheme's own portal. Instica does not file for you and does not store portal credentials.
Can I use this page to budget my fee?
Yes, as an estimate. Find your category in the rates table, multiply the rate by your weight in the same unit, and compare the result with the worked costs. The scheme's invoice decides what you owe.
How current are these figures?
Instica retrieved the schedule on October 22, 2026. The page shows the retrieval date, the publisher and a short quote from the source next to each rate, so you can check a figure against the original before you rely on it.
How Instica uses this schedule
When you add packaging for British Columbia, Instica looks up the category in this 2026 schedule, multiplies the rate by the weight you measured and shows the estimated fee with the rate, the source and the data-quality tier of the weight.
Instica measures, estimates and prepares. You review the figures, sign the report and submit it yourself in the scheme's portal. Instica does not submit for you and never stores portal credentials.
Sources
- British Columbia 2026: Recycle BC (2025) retrieved
Original wording: Recycle BC Fee Schedule (Cents/Kg)
Original wording: Newsprint 76.00 69.00 10.1%
Original wording: Magazines, Catalogues & Telephone books2 29.00 28.00 3.6%
Original wording: Other Printed Paper 80.00 72.00 11.1%
Original wording: Corrugated Cardboard 60.00 53.00 13.2%
Original wording: Kraft Paper1 7 7.00 53.00 45.3%
Original wording: Boxboard 37.00 31.00 19.4%
Original wording: Gable Top Cartons 80.00 69.00 15.9%
Original wording: Paper Laminates 7 7.00 62.00 24.2%
Original wording: Aseptic Containers 91.00 83.00 9.6%
Original wording: PET Bottles 97.00 98.00 -1.0%
Original wording: PET Thermoforms1 134.00 98.00 36.7%
Original wording: HDPE Bottles 47.00 40.00 17.5%
Original wording: Plastic Film 184.00 146.00 26.0%
Original wording: Plastic Laminates 184.00 146.00 26.0%
Original wording: Expanded Polystyrene 407.00 310.00 31.3%
Original wording: Rigid Polystyrene 151.00 125.00 20.8%
Original wording: Other Plastics 101.00 86.00 17.4%
Original wording: Other Steel Packaging including Paint cans2 68.00 62.00 9.7%
Original wording: Steel Aerosols 48.00 42.00 14.3%
Original wording: Aluminum Food & Other Containers 48.00 59.00 -18.6%
Original wording: Other Aluminum Packaging 70.00 67.00 4.5%
Original wording: Clear Glass 58.00 48.00 20.8%
Original wording: Coloured Glass 58.00 48.00 20.8%
- British Columbia 2026: Recycle BC (Circular Materials Report to Producers 2025) retrieved
Original wording: 1,000 - 2,499 $1,500 $1,300 15.4%
Original wording: 2,500 - 4,999 $3,500 $3,000 16.7%
Original wording: 5,000 - 9,999 $8,300 $7,000 18.6%
Original wording: 10,000 - 15,000 $13,900 $11,800 17.8%
- British Columbia: the legal regime retrieved
Original wording: commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding $200 000.
Original wording: the producer had a gross revenue in the most recent calendar year of less than $1 000 000 in British Columbia;
Original wording: the producer produced in the most recent calendar year less than one tonne of products within the packaging and paper product category
- British Columbia: Thresholds retrieved
Original wording: Eligible stewards supplying 1,000 to 15,000 kg of PPP annually have the option to file simplified report
Original wording: Businesses that have less than $1 million in annual revenues in BC;
Original wording: operate as a single point of retail sale and are not supplied or operated as part of a franchise, a chain or under a banner
Original wording: Are a registered charity.
- British Columbia: Exemptions retrieved
Original wording: Companies that do not have residency in BC but ship products directly to BC residents are not obligated under the BC Recycling Regulation
Original wording: To become a member of the Recycle BC program please visit the WeRecycle Portal and follow the steps to register as a new producer.
Original wording: Recycle BC is the only organization that businesses can join in order to fulfill the requirements of Schedule 5 of the BC Recycling Regulation
The free plan is enough to start. We estimate and prepare; you sign and submit.