# Alberta vs California EPR: Rules Compared

Last verified: November 5, 2026 · https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-california

<a id="answer"></a>

Alberta and California both run packaging EPR, but the rules differ. California exempts only producers below the lower revenue floor, $1,000,000 against CA$1,500,000 in Alberta. Alberta publishes the higher per-kilogram fee in 5 of 5 shared material classes. Every figure below links to its primary source.

<a id="glance"></a>

## Alberta and California side by side

3 of 9 rows have a verified figure on each side of Alberta and California; a cell reads “not yet published” when a side has none, and an exemption row reads “none recorded; see thresholds” when no exemption is on record.

<a id="glance-table"></a>**Alberta and California: the measures both programmes publish**

| Measure | Alberta | California | Stricter |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Registration duty | not yet published | Required | Not comparable |
| Producer organisation | not yet published | one producer responsibility organisation | Not comparable |
| Lowest revenue exemption | CA$1,500,000 | $1,000,000 | California |
| Lowest weight exemption | none recorded; see thresholds | none recorded; see thresholds | Not comparable |
| First annual report date | June 30 | not yet published | Not comparable |
| Published penalties | not yet published | 1 published | Not comparable |
| Report file | csv | csv | Not comparable |
| Paper fee, cheapest matched rate | 48 cents per kilogram | 0.4 cents per pound | Alberta |
| Plastic fee, cheapest matched rate | 176 cents per kilogram | 2.5 cents per pound | Alberta |

<a id="calc-revenue"></a>The lowest revenue exemption is CA$1,500,000 in Alberta and $1,000,000 in California (CA$1,397,800 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). California therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Alberta but still in scope in California.

<a id="calc-rates"></a>Across 5 shared material classes, Alberta publishes the higher cheapest per-kilogram fee in 5, and California in 0. A higher fee is not the same as a stricter rule; it is simply a larger published number per kilogram.

<a id="programme"></a>

## Who runs the programme in Alberta and California

Who collects and who the producer files with, in Alberta and then California.

<a id="programme-table"></a>**Alberta and California: how each programme is set up**

| Aspect | Alberta | California |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regime | Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (packaging, paper products) | California SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (Public Resources Code, Division 30, Part 3, Chapter 3.1) |
| Regulator | Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) | CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery), through its PEPRS portal |
| Producers obligated | Yes | Yes |
| Registration | not yet published | Required, PEPRS (CalRecycle Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System) |
| Producer organisation | not yet published | one producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance; membership required |
| Transfer of responsibility | not yet published | Not allowed |
| Revenue counted as | gross revenue inside the jurisdiction, CAD, year | gross revenue inside the jurisdiction, USD, calendar year |
| Who counts as the producer | primary: brand owner, importer, seller; secondary: brand owner, importer, seller; shipping: brand owner, importer, seller; tertiary: brand owner, importer, seller | other: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor; primary: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor; secondary: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor; service: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor; shipping: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor; tertiary: manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee, first distributor |

> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Alberta: the registration duty. Reason: Registry details not quoted.

> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Alberta: how producer organisations work. Reason: Producer-organisation wording was not quoted from the ARMA page.

> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Alberta: the rules on transferring responsibility. Reason: Transfer rules were not read.

Where one side has not yet published how its producer organisations work, this page says so rather than assuming it matches the other side. A seller in both should check the open item before relying on the comparison.

<a id="scope"></a>

## What Alberta and California cover, side by side

Each row below is one published feature of the two programmes; a cell reads “not yet published” when Alberta or California has no verified entry for it in the dataset.

<a id="scope-table"></a>**Scope, producer duties, categories, labelling and targets, Alberta and California**

| Aspect | Alberta | California |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Producer duty: primary packaging | brand_owner; importer; seller | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Producer duty: secondary packaging | brand_owner; importer; seller | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Producer duty: tertiary packaging | brand_owner; importer; seller | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Producer duty: shipping packaging | brand_owner; importer; seller | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Reporting categories | 33, material category | not yet published |
| Exemption 1 | Producers under CAD 1,500,000 Alberta revenue are exempt | Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. (application needed) |
| Materials covered | not yet published | single use packaging, plastic single use food service ware |
| Product classes covered | not yet published | primary packaging, secondary packaging, tertiary packaging, packaging components and ancillary elements |
| Excluded from scope | not yet published | medical products and drugs, animal medicines, infant formula, medical food, fifra products, dangerous goods plastic containers, hazcom hazardous or flammable products, beverage containers subject to crv, long term product protection 5 years, architectural paint program packaging, agricultural commodity packaged on site |
| Sales channels addressed | not yet published | retail, wholesale, remote offering, online |
| Producer duty: service packaging | not yet published | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Producer duty: other packaging | not yet published | manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor |
| Published targets | not yet published | plastic_source_reduction 10 by 2027-01-01; plastic_source_reduction 20 by 2030-01-01; plastic_source_reduction 25 by 2032-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 30 by 2028-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 40 by 2030-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 65 by 2032-01-01; recyclable_or_compostable_share 100 by 2032-01-01 |
| Exemption 2 | not yet published | A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer. |
| Exemption 3 | not yet published | Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material. |
| Exemption 4 | not yet published | Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration. (application needed) |

<a id="thresholds"></a>

## Thresholds and exemptions in Alberta and California

Every verified threshold Alberta and California publish, as each states it.

<a id="thresholds-table"></a>**Verified thresholds in Alberta and California**

| Place | Measure | Amount | Effect | Basis as published |
| --- | --- | ---: | --- | --- |
| Alberta | revenue | CA$1,500,000 | exempt below | Alberta revenue |
| Alberta | packaging tonnage | 9 tonnes | reduced duty | residential supply per year (9 t paper; 2 t rigid plastic; 2 t flexible plastic; 1 t glass; 1 t metal) |
| California | revenue | $1,000,000 | exempt below | gross annual sales in California, most recent calendar year |

<a id="a-exemption-under-revenue"></a>Alberta exemption: Producers under CAD 1,500,000 Alberta revenue are exempt It does not have to be applied for.

<a id="b-exemption-small-producer"></a>California exemption: Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. It must be applied for.

<a id="b-exemption-agricultural-commodity-on-site"></a>California exemption: A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer. It does not have to be applied for.

<a id="b-exemption-crv-beverage-containers"></a>California exemption: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material. It does not have to be applied for.

<a id="b-exemption-high-recycling-rate-material"></a>California exemption: Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration. It must be applied for.

Read the basis column first: the same amount can exempt a producer in one programme and only simplify its report in another.

The lowest revenue exemption is CA$1,500,000 in Alberta and $1,000,000 in California (CA$1,397,800 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). California therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Alberta but still in scope in California.

<a id="rates"></a>

## Fees per kilogram for shared materials

5 material classes have a published rate on both sides; each row shows the cheapest rate that fits the class.

<a id="rates-table"></a>**Cheapest published rate per kilogram by material class, Alberta and California**

| Material class | Alberta (CAD per kg) | California (USD per kg) | California in CAD, approx. | Higher fee |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| paper and board | 48 cents per kilogram | 0.4 cents per pound | CA$0.0123 | Alberta |
| plastic | 176 cents per kilogram | 2.5 cents per pound | CA$0.077 | Alberta |
| glass | 41 cents per kilogram | 0.3 cents per pound | CA$0.0092 | Alberta |
| aluminium | 98 cents per kilogram | 0.8 cents per pound | CA$0.0247 | Alberta |
| steel | 62 cents per kilogram | 0.8 cents per pound | CA$0.0247 | Alberta |

Scaling the cheapest published rate by weight shows what the gap between Alberta and California amounts to for a given tonnage of one material. The amounts are the rate times the weight, nothing added.

<a id="rates-scale"></a>**Fee at the cheapest published rate for 1 to 100,000 kilograms, Alberta and California**

| Material class | Kilograms | Alberta fee (CAD) | California fee (USD) | California in CAD, approx. | California minus Alberta (CAD) |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| paper and board | 1 | CA$0.48 | $0.01 | CA$0.01 | -CA$0.47 |
| paper and board | 10 | CA$4.80 | $0.09 | CA$0.12 | -CA$4.68 |
| paper and board | 100 | CA$48.00 | $0.88 | CA$1.23 | -CA$46.77 |
| paper and board | 1,000 | CA$480.00 | $8.82 | CA$12.33 | -CA$467.67 |
| paper and board | 10,000 | CA$4,800.00 | $88.18 | CA$123.26 | -CA$4,676.74 |
| paper and board | 100,000 | CA$48,000.00 | $881.85 | CA$1,232.65 | -CA$46,767.35 |
| plastic | 1 | CA$1.76 | $0.06 | CA$0.08 | -CA$1.68 |
| plastic | 10 | CA$17.60 | $0.55 | CA$0.77 | -CA$16.83 |
| plastic | 100 | CA$176.00 | $5.51 | CA$7.70 | -CA$168.30 |
| plastic | 1,000 | CA$1,760.00 | $55.12 | CA$77.04 | -CA$1,682.96 |
| plastic | 10,000 | CA$17,600.00 | $551.16 | CA$770.41 | -CA$16,829.59 |
| plastic | 100,000 | CA$176,000.00 | $5,511.56 | CA$7,704.05 | -CA$168,295.95 |
| glass | 1 | CA$0.41 | $0.01 | CA$0.01 | -CA$0.40 |
| glass | 10 | CA$4.10 | $0.07 | CA$0.09 | -CA$4.01 |
| glass | 100 | CA$41.00 | $0.66 | CA$0.92 | -CA$40.08 |
| glass | 1,000 | CA$410.00 | $6.61 | CA$9.24 | -CA$400.76 |
| glass | 10,000 | CA$4,100.00 | $66.14 | CA$92.45 | -CA$4,007.55 |
| glass | 100,000 | CA$41,000.00 | $661.39 | CA$924.49 | -CA$40,075.51 |
| aluminium | 1 | CA$0.98 | $0.02 | CA$0.02 | -CA$0.96 |
| aluminium | 10 | CA$9.80 | $0.18 | CA$0.25 | -CA$9.55 |
| aluminium | 100 | CA$98.00 | $1.76 | CA$2.47 | -CA$95.53 |
| aluminium | 1,000 | CA$980.00 | $17.64 | CA$24.65 | -CA$955.35 |
| aluminium | 10,000 | CA$9,800.00 | $176.37 | CA$246.53 | -CA$9,553.47 |
| aluminium | 100,000 | CA$98,000.00 | $1,763.70 | CA$2,465.30 | -CA$95,534.70 |
| steel | 1 | CA$0.62 | $0.02 | CA$0.02 | -CA$0.60 |
| steel | 10 | CA$6.20 | $0.18 | CA$0.25 | -CA$5.95 |
| steel | 100 | CA$62.00 | $1.76 | CA$2.47 | -CA$59.53 |
| steel | 1,000 | CA$620.00 | $17.64 | CA$24.65 | -CA$595.35 |
| steel | 10,000 | CA$6,200.00 | $176.37 | CA$246.53 | -CA$5,953.47 |
| steel | 100,000 | CA$62,000.00 | $1,763.70 | CA$2,465.30 | -CA$59,534.70 |

Converted from USD to CAD at the Bank of Canada annual average for 2025. A converted figure is approximate and moves with the year of the rate; the published amount is the one in the programme’s own currency.

<a id="b-fee-source"></a>California: the 2026 fee schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee, effective January 1, 2026, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page.

<a id="a-fee-source"></a>Alberta: the 2027 fee schedule of Circular Materials Alberta (ARMA PPP), effective January 1, 2027, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page.

<a id="a-rate-cm-boxboard-and-other-paper-packaging"></a>Alberta 2027: the category “Boxboard and Other Paper Packaging” is published at 48 cents per kilogram.

<a id="a-rate-cm-ldpe-hdpe-film"></a>Alberta 2027: the category “LDPE/HDPE Film” is published at 176 cents per kilogram.

<a id="a-rate-cm-clear-glass"></a>Alberta 2027: the category “Clear Glass” is published at 41 cents per kilogram.

<a id="a-rate-cm-aluminum-food-containers"></a>Alberta 2027: the category “Aluminum Food Containers” is published at 98 cents per kilogram.

<a id="a-rate-cm-other-steel-containers-and-packaging"></a>Alberta 2027: the category “Other Steel Containers and Packaging” is published at 62 cents per kilogram.

<a id="b-rate-paper-fiber"></a>California 2026: the category “Paper/Fiber” is published at 0.4 cents per pound.

<a id="b-rate-plastic-flexible"></a>California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound.

<a id="b-rate-glass-ceramics"></a>California 2026: the category “Glass and Ceramics” is published at 0.3 cents per pound.

<a id="b-rate-metal"></a>California 2026: the category “Metal” is published at 0.8 cents per pound.

Real packs usually land in a dearer category, so use the calculator for Alberta and California.

<a id="deadlines"></a>

## Deadlines in Alberta and California

Each verified date, with the period it covers when one is given.

<a id="deadlines-table"></a>**Verified deadlines in Alberta and California**

| Place | Kind | Date | Covers |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Alberta | report | June 30 | preceding calendar year (January 1 to December 31) |
| Alberta | rate publication | March 8 | current calendar year's ARMA oversight fees (based on supply data from two years earlier) |
| Alberta | payment | April 8 | current calendar year's ARMA oversight fees |
| Alberta | other | October 1, 2026 | not yet published |
| California | registration | January 1, 2027 | not yet published |
| California | taxonomy update | January 1, 2027 | not yet published |

> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for California: the annual producer data report date. Reason: The calendar due date for the annual producer report is set by CAA or CalRecycle in its reporting calendar and was not found in a published source.

<a id="penalties"></a>

## Penalties in Alberta and California

What each side has published; a side without an amount says so.

> **Not yet published**: Not yet published for Alberta: penalty amounts. Reason: Penalty amounts were not read (interest on late payment is in the bylaws).

<a id="b-penalty-0"></a>California penalty for failure to comply with the chapter or its regulations: up to $50,000 per day per violation.

<a id="formats"></a>

## Report formats in Alberta and California

How the report file for Alberta compares with the one for California.

<a id="formats-table"></a>**Report file layouts for Alberta and California**

| Aspect | Alberta | California |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Layout | Alberta PPP producer annual report Fee-year categories, reviewed 2026-09-29 | California SB 54 producer data by covered material category 2026-09-29 (built from PRC 42052(a)(1) and CalRecycle guidance of 4 August 2026) |
| Recipient | Alberta Recycling Management Authority | Circular Action Alliance (PRO) or CalRecycle through PEPRS for self-reporting producers |
| How it is submitted | ARMA producer portal | CAA producer portal, or CalRecycle PEPRS when the producer reports directly. The customer signs in and submits. |
| File type | csv | csv |
| Encoding | utf-8 | utf-8 |
| Delimiter | , | , |
| Decimal separator | . |
| Columns | 4 | 5 |
| Required columns | 4 of 4 | 5 of 5 |
| Weight unit | kg | lb |
| Period basis | calendar year | calendar year |

> **Not yet published**: Alberta: the programme’s own report specification is not yet published. The layout above is Instica’s working layout.

> **Not yet published**: California: the programme’s own report specification is not yet published. Reason: CAA publishes a 2026 Annual Supply Report preparation workbook (2025 data year) with 95 reporting categories, weights in pounds to two decimals and plastic-component counts, but the workbook cannot be uploaded; the report is entered on the CAA Producer Portal. Instica's file is its own working layout and does not yet reproduce those categories. The layout above is Instica’s working layout.

The two layouts share a file type and a delimiter, but each programme names its own columns and categories, so one file cannot be sent to both programmes. Each report is built from the same underlying measurements and exported separately.

<a id="choose"></a>

## Which to plan for first, Alberta or California

Check the exemption thresholds before anything else. California reaches smaller sellers than Alberta, so a seller that is exempt in Alberta may still have to register in California.

<a id="faq"></a>

## Questions about comparing these two programmes

### <a id="q1"></a>Is Alberta or California stricter on packaging EPR?

California exempts only producers below the lower revenue floor, $1,000,000 against CA$1,500,000 in Alberta. Alberta publishes the higher per-kilogram fee in 5 of 5 shared material classes.

### <a id="q2"></a>Do I register in both Alberta and California?

Alberta has not yet published its registration duty. California requires producers to register.

### <a id="q3"></a>How do the fees per kilogram compare in Alberta and California?

Across 5 shared material classes, Alberta publishes the higher cheapest per-kilogram fee in 5, and California in 0. A higher fee is not the same as a stricter rule; it is simply a larger published number per kilogram.

### <a id="q4"></a>Which deadline comes first, Alberta or California?

The dataset does not hold a verified annual report date on both sides, so this page does not say which comes first.

<a id="estimate"></a>

## How these figures are made

> **Estimate**: Instica measures, estimates and prepares. Every figure on this page is read from a sourced record or computed from one, and each carries its data quality. Converted amounts are approximate and name the exchange rate used. The customer signs and submits each report; Instica never stores regulator login details and never files on your behalf. This page is general information about published rules; confirm your own position with a qualified adviser.

<a id="epr-cite-facts"></a>

## Facts on this page

Each fact is a self-contained sentence with its source. Link to a fact with its anchor.

- <a id="a-regime"></a>Alberta: the packaging rules sit in Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (packaging, paper products). [#a-regime](#a-regime)
  Value: Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (packaging, paper products) · Source: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0224_EPR-Single%E2%80%91use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws-February-26-2024.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
- <a id="a-regulator"></a>Alberta: the regulator is Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). [#a-regulator](#a-regulator)
  Value: Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) · Source: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0224_EPR-Single%E2%80%91use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws-February-26-2024.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
- <a id="a-obligated"></a>Alberta places an obligation on packaging producers. [#a-obligated](#a-obligated)
  Value: yes · Source: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0224_EPR-Single%E2%80%91use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws-February-26-2024.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
- <a id="a-revenue-scope"></a>Alberta measures revenue as gross revenue inside the jurisdiction in CAD, over the year. [#a-revenue-scope](#a-revenue-scope)
  Value: in_jurisdiction · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
- <a id="a-hierarchy-primary"></a>Alberta: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer and seller (2022). [#a-hierarchy-primary](#a-hierarchy-primary)
  Value: brand_owner > importer > seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-hierarchy-secondary"></a>Alberta: at the secondary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer and seller (2022). [#a-hierarchy-secondary](#a-hierarchy-secondary)
  Value: brand_owner > importer > seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-hierarchy-shipping"></a>Alberta: at the shipping packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer and seller (2022). [#a-hierarchy-shipping](#a-hierarchy-shipping)
  Value: brand_owner > importer > seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-hierarchy-tertiary"></a>Alberta: at the tertiary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the brand owner, importer and seller (2022). [#a-hierarchy-tertiary](#a-hierarchy-tertiary)
  Value: brand_owner > importer > seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-threshold-fee-exempt-revenue"></a>Alberta threshold on revenue: CA$1,500,000; effect: exempt below the threshold. [#a-threshold-fee-exempt-revenue](#a-threshold-fee-exempt-revenue)
  Value: CA$1,500,000 · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
- <a id="a-threshold-registered-no-fee-tonnage"></a>Alberta threshold on tonnage: 9 tonnes; effect: reduced duties. [#a-threshold-registered-no-fee-tonnage](#a-threshold-registered-no-fee-tonnage)
  Value: 9 tonnes · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: less than each of the amounts listed for the following materials: (a) 9 tonnes of paper per calendar year; (b) 2 tonnes of rigid plastic
- Alberta exemption: Producers under CAD 1,500,000 Alberta revenue are exempt It does not have to be applied for. [#a-exemption-under-revenue](#a-exemption-under-revenue)
  Value: under_revenue · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
- <a id="a-deadline-annual-report"></a>Alberta: report date June 30, covering preceding calendar year (January 1 to December 31). [#a-deadline-annual-report](#a-deadline-annual-report)
  Value: June 30 · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
- <a id="a-deadline-final-oversight-fee-notice"></a>Alberta: rate publication date March 8, covering current calendar year's ARMA oversight fees (based on supply data from two years earlier). [#a-deadline-final-oversight-fee-notice](#a-deadline-final-oversight-fee-notice)
  Value: March 8 · Source: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EPR-Oversight-Fee-Guide.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: By March 8 Notice of Final Oversight Fees posted (minimum of 30 days prior to invoicing) April 8 Invoicing of Oversight Fees
- <a id="a-deadline-oversight-fee-invoice"></a>Alberta: payment date April 8, covering current calendar year's ARMA oversight fees. [#a-deadline-oversight-fee-invoice](#a-deadline-oversight-fee-invoice)
  Value: April 8 · Source: https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EPR-Oversight-Fee-Guide.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: By March 8 Notice of Final Oversight Fees posted (minimum of 30 days prior to invoicing) April 8 Invoicing of Oversight Fees
- <a id="a-deadline-collection-service-2026"></a>Alberta: other date October 1, 2026. [#a-deadline-collection-service-2026](#a-deadline-collection-service-2026)
  Value: October 1, 2026 · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: A PPP Producer must provide, by October 1, 2026, to single-family dwellings in Registered Communities that were not receiving recycling service
- <a id="a-scope-ph-primary"></a>Alberta: producer duty: primary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller. [#a-scope-ph-primary](#a-scope-ph-primary)
  Value: brand owner, importer, and seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-scope-ph-secondary"></a>Alberta: producer duty: secondary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller. [#a-scope-ph-secondary](#a-scope-ph-secondary)
  Value: brand owner, importer, and seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-scope-ph-tertiary"></a>Alberta: producer duty: tertiary packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller. [#a-scope-ph-tertiary](#a-scope-ph-tertiary)
  Value: brand owner, importer, and seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-scope-ph-shipping"></a>Alberta: producer duty: shipping packaging is brand_owner; importer; seller. [#a-scope-ph-shipping](#a-scope-ph-shipping)
  Value: brand owner, importer, and seller · Source: https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf · Retrieved: November 4, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
- <a id="a-scope-categories"></a>Alberta: reporting categories is 33, material category. [#a-scope-categories](#a-scope-categories)
  Value: 33 · Source: https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Circular_Materials-Report_to_Producers-2025.pdf · Retrieved: November 5, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Newspapers 83 84 -1.2%
- <a id="a-scope-ex1"></a>Alberta: exemption 1 is Producers under CAD 1,500,000 Alberta revenue are exempt. [#a-scope-ex1](#a-scope-ex1)
  Value: Producers under CAD 1,500,000 Alberta revenue are exempt · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
- <a id="b-regime"></a>California: the packaging rules sit in California SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (Public Resources Code, Division 30, Part 3, Chapter 3.1). [#b-regime](#b-regime)
  Value: California SB 54, Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (Public Resources Code, Division 30, Part 3, Chapter 3.1) · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: SB 54 establishes a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic food service ware products
- <a id="b-regulator"></a>California: the regulator is CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery), through its PEPRS portal. [#b-regulator](#b-regulator)
  Value: CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery), through its PEPRS portal · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: PEPRS is CalRecycle’s online portal for: Producer Registration Data Submission Compliance Tracking
- <a id="b-obligated"></a>California places an obligation on packaging producers. [#b-obligated](#b-obligated)
  Value: yes · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42051 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: a producer shall not sell, offer for sale, import, or distribute covered materials in the state unless the producer is approved to participate
- <a id="b-registration"></a>California: producers must register through PEPRS (CalRecycle Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System). [#b-registration](#b-registration)
  Value: yes · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.
- <a id="b-organisation"></a>California organises producer responsibility through a single producer responsibility organisation: Circular Action Alliance; membership is required. [#b-organisation](#b-organisation)
  Value: one producer responsibility organisation · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.
- <a id="b-transfer"></a>California does not allow a producer’s obligation to be transferred to another party. [#b-transfer](#b-transfer)
  Value: no · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: The owner or operator of the online marketplace shall not be considered the retailer or wholesaler for such sales.
- <a id="b-revenue-scope"></a>California measures revenue as gross revenue inside the jurisdiction in USD, over the calendar year. [#b-revenue-scope](#b-revenue-scope)
  Value: in_jurisdiction · Source: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.
- <a id="b-hierarchy-other"></a>California: at the other packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-other](#b-hierarchy-other)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-hierarchy-primary"></a>California: at the primary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-primary](#b-hierarchy-primary)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-hierarchy-secondary"></a>California: at the secondary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-secondary](#b-hierarchy-secondary)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-hierarchy-service"></a>California: at the service packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-service](#b-hierarchy-service)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-hierarchy-shipping"></a>California: at the shipping packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-shipping](#b-hierarchy-shipping)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-hierarchy-tertiary"></a>California: at the tertiary packaging level the producer hierarchy names the manufacturer or brand owner, brand licensee and first distributor (2023). [#b-hierarchy-tertiary](#b-hierarchy-tertiary)
  Value: manufacturer_brand_owner > licensee > first_distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-threshold-small-producer-gross-annual-sales"></a>California threshold on revenue: $1,000,000; effect: exempt below the threshold. [#b-threshold-small-producer-gross-annual-sales](#b-threshold-small-producer-gross-annual-sales)
  Value: $1,000,000 · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.
- California exemption: Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. It must be applied for. [#b-exemption-small-producer](#b-exemption-small-producer)
  Value: small_producer · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.
- California exemption: A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer. It does not have to be applied for. [#b-exemption-agricultural-commodity-on-site](#b-exemption-agricultural-commodity-on-site)
  Value: agricultural_commodity_on_site · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: “Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.
- California exemption: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material. It does not have to be applied for. [#b-exemption-crv-beverage-containers](#b-exemption-crv-beverage-containers)
  Value: crv_beverage_containers · Source: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).
- California exemption: Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration. It must be applied for. [#b-exemption-high-recycling-rate-material](#b-exemption-high-recycling-rate-material)
  Value: high_recycling_rate_material · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after
- <a id="b-deadline-join-pro-or-be-approved"></a>California: registration date January 1, 2027. [#b-deadline-join-pro-or-be-approved](#b-deadline-join-pro-or-be-approved)
  Value: January 1, 2027 · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42051 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: upon approval of a plan pursuant to Section 42063, or commencing January 1, 2027, whichever is sooner
- <a id="b-deadline-cmc-list-update"></a>California: taxonomy update date January 1, 2027. [#b-deadline-cmc-list-update](#b-deadline-cmc-list-update)
  Value: January 1, 2027 · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: This updated information will inform the next update to the Covered Material Categories List, which will be published by January 1, 2027.
- California penalty for failure to comply with the chapter or its regulations: up to $50,000 per day per violation. [#b-penalty-0](#b-penalty-0)
  Value: $50,000 · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42081 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: an administrative civil penalty not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per day per violation
- <a id="b-scope-materials"></a>California: materials covered is single use packaging, plastic single use food service ware. [#b-scope-materials](#b-scope-materials)
  Value: single_use_packaging,plastic_single_use_food_service_ware · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the sale of covered materials shall be deemed to occur in the state if the covered materials are delivered to the purchaser in the state
- <a id="b-scope-products"></a>California: product classes covered is primary packaging, secondary packaging, tertiary packaging, packaging components and ancillary elements. [#b-scope-products](#b-scope-products)
  Value: primary_packaging,secondary_packaging,tertiary_packaging,packaging_components_and_ancillary_elements · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the sale of covered materials shall be deemed to occur in the state if the covered materials are delivered to the purchaser in the state
- <a id="b-scope-excluded"></a>California: excluded from scope is medical products and drugs, animal medicines, infant formula, medical food, fifra products, dangerous goods plastic containers, hazcom hazardous or flammable products, beverage containers subject to crv, long term product protection 5 years, architectural paint program packaging, agricultural commodity packaged on site. [#b-scope-excluded](#b-scope-excluded)
  Value: medical_products_and_drugs,animal_medicines,infant_formula,medical_food,fifra_products,dangerous_goods_plastic_containers,hazcom_hazardous_or_flammable_products,beverage_containers_subject_to_crv,long_term_product_protection_5_years,architectural_paint_program_packaging,agricultural_commodity_packaged_on_site · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the sale of covered materials shall be deemed to occur in the state if the covered materials are delivered to the purchaser in the state
- <a id="b-scope-channels"></a>California: sales channels addressed is retail, wholesale, remote offering, online. [#b-scope-channels](#b-scope-channels)
  Value: retail,wholesale,remote_offering,online · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the sale of covered materials shall be deemed to occur in the state if the covered materials are delivered to the purchaser in the state
- <a id="b-scope-ph-primary"></a>California: producer duty: primary packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-primary](#b-scope-ph-primary)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-ph-secondary"></a>California: producer duty: secondary packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-secondary](#b-scope-ph-secondary)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-ph-tertiary"></a>California: producer duty: tertiary packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-tertiary](#b-scope-ph-tertiary)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-ph-shipping"></a>California: producer duty: shipping packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-shipping](#b-scope-ph-shipping)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-ph-service"></a>California: producer duty: service packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-service](#b-scope-ph-service)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-ph-other"></a>California: producer duty: other packaging is manufacturer_brand_owner; licensee; first_distributor. [#b-scope-ph-other](#b-scope-ph-other)
  Value: manufacturer or brand owner, licensee, and first distributor · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
- <a id="b-scope-targets"></a>California: published targets is plastic_source_reduction 10 by 2027-01-01; plastic_source_reduction 20 by 2030-01-01; plastic_source_reduction 25 by 2032-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 30 by 2028-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 40 by 2030-01-01; plastic_recycling_rate 65 by 2032-01-01; recyclable_or_compostable_share 100 by 2032-01-01. [#b-scope-targets](#b-scope-targets)
  Value: 7 · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: 65% Single-Use Plastic Recycled
- <a id="b-scope-ex1"></a>California: exemption 1 is Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. (application needed). [#b-scope-ex1](#b-scope-ex1)
  Value: Temporary, renewable exemption from most reporting and fee requirements for producers with gross annual California sales under $1 million. Long-term duty remains: all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.
- <a id="b-scope-ex2"></a>California: exemption 2 is A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer. [#b-scope-ex2](#b-scope-ex2)
  Value: A person who produces, harvests and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where it was grown or raised is not a producer. · Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: “Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.
- <a id="b-scope-ex3"></a>California: exemption 3 is Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material. [#b-scope-ex3](#b-scope-ex3)
  Value: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are not covered material. · Source: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538 · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).
- <a id="b-scope-ex4"></a>California: exemption 4 is Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration. (application needed). [#b-scope-ex4](#b-scope-ex4)
  Value: Covered material meeting a 65% (through 2026) or 70% (2027 on) recycling rate, outside curbside collection and commingled sorting, recycled at responsible end markets, is not covered material once CalRecycle approves the producer's demonstration. · Source: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/ · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after
- The lowest revenue exemption is CA$1,500,000 in Alberta and $1,000,000 in California (CA$1,397,800 at the Bank of Canada 2025 annual average rate). California therefore reaches smaller sellers: a business with revenue between the two lines is exempt in Alberta but still in scope in California. [#calc-revenue](#calc-revenue)
  Value: US-CA · Source: https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
- Alberta: the 2027 fee schedule of Circular Materials Alberta (ARMA PPP), effective January 1, 2027, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page. [#a-fee-source](#a-fee-source)
  Value: Circular Materials Report to Producers 2026, Alberta fee schedule · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Circular Materials in Alberta Fee Schedule (Cents/Kg)
- Alberta 2027: the category “Boxboard and Other Paper Packaging” is published at 48 cents per kilogram. [#a-rate-cm-boxboard-and-other-paper-packaging](#a-rate-cm-boxboard-and-other-paper-packaging)
  Value: 48 cents_per_kg · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Boxboard and Other Paper Packaging 48 40 20.0%
- Alberta 2027: the category “LDPE/HDPE Film” is published at 176 cents per kilogram. [#a-rate-cm-ldpe-hdpe-film](#a-rate-cm-ldpe-hdpe-film)
  Value: 176 cents_per_kg · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: LDPE/HDPE Film 176 198 -11.1%
- Alberta 2027: the category “Clear Glass” is published at 41 cents per kilogram. [#a-rate-cm-clear-glass](#a-rate-cm-clear-glass)
  Value: 41 cents_per_kg · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Clear Glass 41 45 -8.9%
- Alberta 2027: the category “Aluminum Food Containers” is published at 98 cents per kilogram. [#a-rate-cm-aluminum-food-containers](#a-rate-cm-aluminum-food-containers)
  Value: 98 cents_per_kg · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Aluminum Food Containers 98 77 27 .3%
- Alberta 2027: the category “Other Steel Containers and Packaging” is published at 62 cents per kilogram. [#a-rate-cm-other-steel-containers-and-packaging](#a-rate-cm-other-steel-containers-and-packaging)
  Value: 62 cents_per_kg · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Other Steel Containers and Packaging 62 69 -10.1%
- California: the 2026 fee schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee, effective January 1, 2026, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page. [#b-fee-source](#b-fee-source)
  Value: CAA California 2026 Early Fee Schedule · Source: https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: 2026 California Early Fee Schedule Fees for Program Year 2026
- California 2026: the category “Paper/Fiber” is published at 0.4 cents per pound. [#b-rate-paper-fiber](#b-rate-paper-fiber)
  Value: 0.4 cents_per_lb · Source: https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Paper/Fiber $0.004 /lb
- California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound. [#b-rate-plastic-flexible](#b-rate-plastic-flexible)
  Value: 2.5 cents_per_lb · Source: https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf · Retrieved: October 7, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb
- California 2026: the category “Glass and Ceramics” is published at 0.3 cents per pound. [#b-rate-glass-ceramics](#b-rate-glass-ceramics)
  Value: 0.3 cents_per_lb · Source: https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Glass and Ceramics $0.003 /lb
- California 2026: the category “Metal” is published at 0.8 cents per pound. [#b-rate-metal](#b-rate-metal)
  Value: 0.8 cents_per_lb · Source: https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf · Retrieved: September 29, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Metal $0.008 /lb
- Across 5 shared material classes, Alberta publishes the higher cheapest per-kilogram fee in 5, and California in 0. A higher fee is not the same as a stricter rule; it is simply a larger published number per kilogram. [#calc-rates](#calc-rates)
  Value: CA-AB · Source: https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1 · Retrieved: October 22, 2026 · Status: verified
  Verbatim quote: Boxboard and Other Paper Packaging 48 40 20.0%

## Related pages

### Part of

- [Alberta EPR](https://instica.com/epr/alberta)

### More for this jurisdiction

- [California extended producer responsibility](https://instica.com/epr/california)

### Related pages

- [Alberta vs Colorado EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-colorado)
- [Alberta vs Manitoba EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-manitoba)
- [Alberta vs New Brunswick EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-new-brunswick)
- [Alberta vs Nova Scotia EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-nova-scotia)
- [Alberta vs Québec EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-quebec)
- [Alberta vs Saskatchewan EPR: Rules Compared](https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-saskatchewan)

## Sources

1. albertarecycling.ca (https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/0224_EPR-Single%E2%80%91use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws-February-26-2024.pdf), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
2. files.albertarecycling.ca: EPR Single‑Use Products Packaging and Paper Products Bylaws (https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf), Retrieved: October 7, 2026, Status: verified
   > has an annual gross revenue in Alberta less than one million and five hundred thousand dollars $1,500,000.
3. kings-printer.alberta.ca: 2022 194 (https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2022_194.pdf), Retrieved: November 4, 2026, Status: verified
   > the producer is (a) the brand holder of the designated material, if the brand holder is resident in Canada,
4. files.albertarecycling.ca: EPR Single‑Use Products Packaging and Paper Products Bylaws (https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf), Retrieved: October 7, 2026, Status: verified
   > less than each of the amounts listed for the following materials: (a) 9 tonnes of paper per calendar year; (b) 2 tonnes of rigid plastic
5. files.albertarecycling.ca: EPR Single‑Use Products Packaging and Paper Products Bylaws (https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf), Retrieved: November 4, 2026, Status: verified
   > PPP Producers shall submit an annual report to the Authority no later than June 30th each year.
6. albertarecycling.ca: EPR Oversight Fee Guide (https://www.albertarecycling.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EPR-Oversight-Fee-Guide.pdf), Retrieved: November 4, 2026, Status: verified
   > By March 8 Notice of Final Oversight Fees posted (minimum of 30 days prior to invoicing) April 8 Invoicing of Oversight Fees
7. files.albertarecycling.ca: EPR Single‑Use Products Packaging and Paper Products Bylaws (https://files.albertarecycling.ca/EPR_Single%E2%80%91Use-Products-Packaging-and-Paper-Products-Bylaws.pdf), Retrieved: November 4, 2026, Status: verified
   > A PPP Producer must provide, by October 1, 2026, to single-family dwellings in Registered Communities that were not receiving recycling service
8. circularmaterials.ca: Circular Materials Report to Producers 2025 (https://www.circularmaterials.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Circular_Materials-Report_to_Producers-2025.pdf), Retrieved: November 5, 2026, Status: verified
   > Newspapers 83 84 -1.2%
9. calrecycle.ca.gov: packaging epr (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > SB 54 establishes a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic food service ware products
10. calrecycle.ca.gov: producerguidance (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > PEPRS is CalRecycle’s online portal for: Producer Registration Data Submission Compliance Tracking
11. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42051), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > a producer shall not sell, offer for sale, import, or distribute covered materials in the state unless the producer is approved to participate
12. calrecycle.ca.gov: producerguidance (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.
13. calrecycle.ca.gov: packaging epr (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization.
14. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > The owner or operator of the online marketplace shall not be considered the retailer or wholesaler for such sales.
15. www2.calrecycle.ca.gov: 138910 (https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/138910), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Enter the amount of total gross annual sales (U.S. dollar) in California, as found on the most recent calendar year's tax returns.
16. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > the producer of the covered material is the person who sells, offers for sale, or distributes the product that uses the covered material
17. calrecycle.ca.gov: exemptionsexclusions (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Small producers with gross annual sales of less than $1 million may apply to be exempt from most of the law’s reporting and fee requirements.
18. calrecycle.ca.gov: exemptionsexclusions (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > To apply, first register in CalRecycle’s reporting system, known as PEPRS, as a Packaging EPR producer. Then fill out the small producer exemption application.
19. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > “Producer” does not include a person who produces, harvests, and packages an agricultural commodity on the site where the agricultural commodity was grown or raised.
20. www2.calrecycle.ca.gov: 131538 (https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/131538), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Beverage containers subject to the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act (Division 12.1 (commencing with Section 14500)).
21. calrecycle.ca.gov: exemptionsexclusions (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/exemptionsexclusions/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Achieve 65% recycling rates from 2024 to 2026, and 70% in 2027 and after
22. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42051), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > upon approval of a plan pursuant to Section 42063, or commencing January 1, 2027, whichever is sooner
23. calrecycle.ca.gov: packaging epr (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > This updated information will inform the next update to the Covered Material Categories List, which will be published by January 1, 2027.
24. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42081), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > an administrative civil penalty not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per day per violation
25. leginfo.legislature.ca.gov: codes displaySection.xhtml (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=42041), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > the sale of covered materials shall be deemed to occur in the state if the covered materials are delivered to the purchaser in the state
26. calrecycle.ca.gov: producerguidance (https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance/), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > 65% Single-Use Plastic Recycled
27. Bank of Canada, FXAUSDCAD (annual average 2025) (https://www.bankofcanada.ca/valet/observations/FXAUSDCAD/json), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
28. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > Circular Materials in Alberta Fee Schedule (Cents/Kg)
29. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > Boxboard and Other Paper Packaging 48 40 20.0%
30. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > LDPE/HDPE Film 176 198 -11.1%
31. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > Clear Glass 41 45 -8.9%
32. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > Aluminum Food Containers 98 77 27 .3%
33. knowledge.werecycle.ca: Report to Producers 2026 OCT15 (https://knowledge.werecycle.ca/@api/deki/files/6179/Report_to_Producers_2026_-_OCT15.pdf?revision=1), Retrieved: October 22, 2026, Status: verified
   > Other Steel Containers and Packaging 62 69 -10.1%
34. circularactionalliance.org: CA 2026 Early Fee Schedule (https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > 2026 California Early Fee Schedule Fees for Program Year 2026
35. circularactionalliance.org: CA 2026 Early Fee Schedule (https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf), Retrieved: October 7, 2026, Status: verified
   > Paper/Fiber $0.004 /lb
36. circularactionalliance.org: CA 2026 Early Fee Schedule (https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf), Retrieved: October 7, 2026, Status: verified
   > Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb
37. circularactionalliance.org: CA 2026 Early Fee Schedule (https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Glass and Ceramics $0.003 /lb
38. circularactionalliance.org: CA 2026 Early Fee Schedule (https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf), Retrieved: September 29, 2026, Status: verified
   > Metal $0.008 /lb

## Cite this page

Instica, “Alberta vs California EPR: Rules Compared”, https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-california, last verified 2026-11-05, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.

- Canonical URL: https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-california
- Last verified: November 5, 2026
- Last changed: November 5, 2026
- Dataset version: v1-281284b7e7c1
- Licence: Reuse is allowed under CC-BY-4.0 with credit to Instica and a link to this page.
- Machine-readable versions: https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-california.md · https://instica.com/epr/compare/alberta-vs-california.json