The BC Recycling Regulation requires the "producers" (see above) of all lamps, ballasts and fixtures sold into the residential, commercial and industrial sectors to be part of an approved stewardship program by July 1, 2012. This program must be fully funded by these producers to provide a free collection and recycling option for all generators of lamps, ballasts and fixtures in BC.

Obligated parties will be able to fulfill their legal obligations by joining Product Care as a member for this program. Members of the program agree to report, on a monthly basis, their sales of program applicable products to Product Care and remit applicable eco fees on those sales.

Sometimes it is more practical for a company that is not the legally obligated producer to join the program and report on their sales (sometimes called a “voluntary remitter”). The program is flexible in terms of which company in the supply chain becomes a member, so long as there is assurance that the program receives the eco fee for every program product sold in BC. The legal producer definition becomes relevant where it is determined that products/fees are not reported to the program and the matter is referred to the Ministry of Environment for compliance with the regulation.

For more information on the fees that will fund the program and how they will be reported, refer to the questions below.