There is growing recognition of the presence of plastics in the environment and that to mitigate the discharge of plastics the plastic life-cycle must evolve quickly from a linear take-make-dispose economy to a circular economy. Earlier this month, Canada tabled a Plastics Charter at the G7 Summit in Quebec that sets forth ambitious plastic recovery (i.e. collection) and recycling targets. These targets are consistent with recent actions taken by the European Union to set material-specific targets for plastics and other materials. Also in recent months, many of Recycle BC's largest members have publicly announced commitments to achieve 100% recyclable packaging within the next five to seven years.

In light of these latest developments and in response to stakeholder feedback and counsel from the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Recycle BC is making substantive updates to its draft program plan that include: