The Carr Brothers - Ep 111 "Full Circle: Navigating New Brunswick's Recycling Shift"

In episode 111 of "The Carr Brothers," hosts Jack, Jeff, and Jody explore the recently implemented full-back bottle recycling program in New Brunswick, which started on April 1. This significant change, shifting from a half-back to a full-back system, aims to enhance recycling efforts across the province by incentivizing consumers to return more containers.

David McCarthy from the Eastern Recyclers Association shares insights into the operational challenges faced under the new system. He describes the strain on small operators: "Saturday hours was a big thing for a lot of people because there are so many that either didn't open on Saturday or only opened a few hours." This issue is particularly pressing in rural areas, where access to recycling centers is already limited.

Frank LeBlanc, CEO of Recycle New Brunswick, discusses the transition towards a producer responsibility organization model. This model shifts the responsibility of waste management from the public to producers, aiming to reduce public expenditure. LeBlanc explains, "The government mandated that producers are responsible for managing their waste from cradle to grave," highlighting the shift towards a more sustainable approach in handling packaging waste.

LeBlanc also reassures about the system's accountability, particularly concerning the new recycling fees: "We ensure that the producers' responsibility organizations running these programs are not allowed to keep more than one year of operating expenses in surplus." This measure is intended to prevent unnecessary inflation of recycling costs passed onto consumers.

The discussion also addresses concerns about the potential strain the new system places on local redemption centers. McCarthy voices concerns about the contractual negotiations with the system administrators, noting, "There's no renewal guarantee after five years, which makes it difficult for new operators to invest in this business."

As the Carr Brothers conclude the episode, they reflect on the importance of adapting community practices to these changes and the ongoing need for public education on recycling practices. The new system not only aims to improve recycling rates but also to foster a culture of environmental responsibility across New Brunswick.