The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) will be updating its product registration system in Fall 2026 to reflect an expansion of approved recycling programs for aluminum refreshment beverages in British Columbia and add new container types.
The updates are in alignment with the Recycling Regulation and recent guidance from the Ministry of Environment and Parks confirming that producers may select their preferred recycling steward, provided the steward has an approved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan that includes the applicable container type.
These changes support the ongoing evolution of recycling programs in British Columbia while providing vendors flexibility to meet their individual business needs.
We are providing advanced notification of these changes to help vendors decide if they need to make any changes before implementation, currently targeted for September 27, 2026.
Expanded recycling steward selection for refreshment beverages
Vendors may now choose their preferred recycling steward (Brewers Recycled Container Collection Council (BRCCC) or Encorp) for aluminum refreshment beverages based on their own business considerations, including applicable fees, operational requirements, and stewardship arrangements.
New beverage container types
The LDB is also adding new beverage container types, ensuring products in emerging packaging formats are accurately aligned with evolving recycling programs and managed through established collection and recycling systems.
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A new bi‑metal container type is being introduced September 27, 2026.
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Tetra Pak and Drink Pouch categories will also be added later in the year.
Action required
Vendors with existing products should review their product portfolios and identify any refreshment beverage products requiring a recycling steward update or any products requiring a container type update.
Submit any changes to ldbprdata@bcldb.com.
Important dates and deadlines
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August 15, 2026: Vendors may start selecting new container types and stewards during new product registration.
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August 21, 2026: Deadline to submit recycling steward and container type changes for existing products for implementation on September 27, 2026. Requests received after August 21, 2026 will be processed according to regular submission timelines.
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August 26, 2026: Wholesale price change submission deadline for vendors whose container type changes may affect pricing.
No action is required by vendors who do not wish to make any updates. The container type, recycling steward, and wholesale price will remain the same as today.
Vendor resources and more information
Vendors are encouraged to review the attached Reference Guide: Beverage Container Type and Recycling Steward Updates. The guide includes details and timing for registering new products and outlines the process and deadlines for making changes to existing products.
Vendors requiring updates to existing aluminum refreshment beverage products or existing products that are in bi‑metal beverage containers should contact Vendor Relations at ldbprdata@bcldb.com to review and update container type and recycling steward information, where applicable.
More information on recycling steward organizations and Container Recycling Fee (CRF) rates is available on their websites: