FAQs
Why is there an extra charge (fee) on my purchase?
When you buy certain products in Alberta—like small propane cylinders, windshield washer fluid, etc.—you may notice an extra fee added at checkout. This fee funds a province-wide system that ensures Household and Special Products (HSP) are safely collected and responsibly managed once they’re no longer usable.
This program is a response to Alberta’s Regulation 194/2022, which came into effect in April 2025. It requires that these products be managed properly at the end of their life. The fee helps fund the system needed to do that.
We understand that unexpected fees can be frustrating. That’s why we want to be transparent about what this fee is, how it works, and how it helps protect our communities and environment.
Scroll down to read answers to common questions about this fee and how your contribution makes a difference.
Frequently asked questions
- What is this fee?
It’s an additional charge added to certain products to help cover the cost of safely collecting and disposing of Household and Special Products (HSP) after use. It’s officially called an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF).
- Is this a government tax?
No, it’s not a tax. The fee is collected by producers and used to fund the safe disposal system. It’s managed by Product Care Recycling, a not-for-profit organization, and a registered with Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA).
- Why do I have to pay this?
This fee fund the program to safely handle these products—like community drop-off sites and events, as well as proper end of life management. Alberta’s Regulation 194/2022 came into effect in April 2025 that requires manufactures and retailers (industry) to have a province-wide collection system to safely collect these leftover/unwanted products and manage them responsibly. Under the regulation, industry is responsible for funding this program. Industry has chosen to fund this program by adding a fee to the product’s purchase price and remitted this fee to Product Care Association, a not-for-profit organization, that is helping the industry to comply with the regulation, by developing and operating a collection and material management system.
- Why is the Fee so high?
Alberta has the largest and most established collection networks in Canada, by population. The fee reflects the real costs of operating this system, including payments to municipalities for collection services.
- How is the fee amount decided?
Fees are reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary, to ensure they reflect actual program costs and remain fair and sustainable. You can consult the fees here: productcare.org/AB-fees
- Is it government-sanctioned?
Yes. Under Alberta’s Regulation 194/2022, producers are required to manage the collection, transportation, and safe handling of designated products. To meet these obligations, the industry has chosen producer responsibility organizations, such as Product Care, to administer and operate the program.
- Where does the money go?
The fee is used to fund the entire system—from collection and transportation to safe disposal and public education. It’s managed by Product Care Recycling, a registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The fee is not retained by the retailer or submitted to the government but rather remitted to Product Care.
- Can I get this money back?
No. This fee is not a deposit—it’s a contribution toward the collection and safe handling of products. There’s no refund; however, there’s no cost to drop off used products at approved collection sites.
- Why do some receipts show the fee while other receipts do not?
The Alberta’s Regulation 194/2022 and Bylaws don’t specify whether the fee is visible as a separate fee or included in the price of the product. It’s the retailer’s choice as to whether the fee is shown as a separate fee or incorporated in product price.