Who we are

For over thirty years, Albertans have proven their commitment to the environment through enduring support and participation in our recycling programs.

OUR Story:

Since 1992 the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) has proudly and responsibly managed some of the province’s major recycling initiatives. Through this process, we have secured valuable relationships with a multistakeholder board, four industry councils, over 5,300 registered suppliers and producers, and 27 recyclers. Additionally, 161 municipal and Indigenous communities manage 437 electronics, paint, tire, and used oil materials collection sites throughout the province, equipping Albertans to do the right thing and recycle their end-of-life products instead of throwing them away.

Working from our strong foundation, ARMA is as committed as ever to fulfilling our vision of Inspiring A Future Without Waste and building a strong, robust circular economy. This ambitious vision is what is needed to continue fostering creativity, leadership, and enhanced performance. Within this space we will continue collaborating with innovators and entrepreneurs to advance our existing stewardship programs while expanding into the oversight of EPR, building a high-value circular economy where ingenuity creates local jobs and extends our value beyond Alberta’s borders while reducing our environmental impacts.

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Who We are:

Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Societies Act. As a Delegated Administrative Organization, ARMA is accountable to the Government of Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas through its Business Plan and Annual Report.

STEWARDSHIP:

The Designated Material Recycling and Management Regulation (the Regulation) authorizes ARMA to levy and collect Surcharges (environmental fees) on the sale or supply of designated material in or into Alberta. These funds are to be used to provide or pay for any or all of the following components regarding designated material: 

  • Waste minimization and recycling programs;
  • Public information programs for the promotion of waste minimization and recycling programs;
  • Expenditures on collection, transportation, storage, processing, and disposal;
  • Research and development activities;
  • Promote the uses of recycled materials and products. 

ARMA is authorized to manage four Designated Materials—electronics, paint, tires, and used oil materials—through a process called multi-material stewardship. Fundamental to this process is ensuring that the financial resources, including environmental fee revenue for each designated material program, are managed independently, while at the same time realizing the synergies and cost-effectiveness of operating under a single organization. In addition to its environmental stewardship mandate, ARMA meets its obligations under the Societies Act through its bylaws and governance regulation. ARMA formally reports to its membership through an Annual Report and Annual General Meeting.

OVERSIGHT:

The Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation (the Regulation) authorizes ARMA to be responsible for the administration and oversight authority of the following designated materials:

  • Single-use Products, Packaging, and Paper Products (PPP); and
  • Hazardous and Special Products (HSP).

In addition to its regulatory oversight, ARMA meets its obligations under the Societies Act through its bylaws and governance regulation. ARMA formally reports to its membership through an Annual Report and Annual General Meeting.

We are currently in a transitional period with the government on the next steps surrounding EPR—including model bylaws—in order to fulfill objectives and goals as an oversight body.

OUR Vision:

Inspiring A Future Without Waste. 

OUR MISSION:

Our mission is to be an inspiring partner and a respected steward of the environment. We will be a leader in recycling and waste minimization best practices and innovation in an effort to make the world a sustainable place.

We believe every place should be left better than we found it. We will inspire Albertans to waste less, teach them to use things in different ways, and help them partner with others who share our passion.

Keeping our environment clean is a shared responsibility. We will educate Albertans, support and contribute to best practices, and will be a responsible, trusted and transparent partner in the global effort to reduce waste.

Our Goals:

Alberta Recycling has identified key goals and strives to meet annual performance measures in each recycling program (Electronics, Paint and Paint Containers, Used Oil Materials, Tires):

  • All designated materials available at end-of-life (EOL) are collected and processed.
  • Ensure program sustainability by confirming environmental fees and funding rates are appropriate and effectively managed.
  • Albertans’ awareness of the programs, proximity to collection points and participation drive the success of the programs in effectively collecting and diverting EOL materials from landfill.
  • Compliance with Regulation, Bylaws, requirements for suppliers, registered processors, downstream processors, collection sites and high environmental standards.
  • Establishing and contributing as an effective, modern regulatory oversight authority.

Contracts:

Effectively manage the following contracts:

  • With Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for the Household Hazardous Waste Program—administering funding to brokers for the transport of waste to the Swan Hills Treatment Centre.
  • With the Government of the Northwest Territories—administering the revenue portion of their electronics recycling program with respect to distributors.
  • With the Government of Yukon—administering the revenue portion of their tire recycling program with respect to producers.