As EPR expands, the risk of obligated products potentially falling into multiple programs (overlap) is increasing, adding confusion and compliance risks for obligated producers. Case in point, windshield washer fluid in BC.
Product Care and other Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) have been working with industry to clarify how certain products—such as windshield washer fluid—should be reported and managed across stewardship programs. This effort focuses on ensuring regulatory compliance, cost-efficiency, and ease of understanding for obligated producers and end-users. This work is ongoing.
Product Care previously communicated upcoming Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) changes on December 22, 2025, January 30, 2026, and March 3, 2026, including the introduction of an EHF for windshield washer fluid in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. With the product overlap issue not yet resolved, Product Care has decided to not implement fees on windshield washer fluids in the Saskatchewan and Manitoba HHW programs as previously communicated.
Effective April 1, 2026, the EHF for windshield washer fluid in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will be set at $0.00 until further notice.
This pause on EHF on windshield washer fluids allows Product Care, other PROs, and industry partners additional time to find an improved outcome for members.
Please note:
Reporting will still be required for windshield washer fluid supplied in Manitoba and Saskatchewan that meets the program’s flammability or toxic criteria.
Members must begin reporting these products as of April 1, 2026. This change applies only to Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Product Care endeavor to provide advanced notice of any future updates.
We appreciate your patience as we continue working with industry and other PROs to resolve the overlap issue. If you have any questions, please contact us at memberservices@productcare.org.