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The BC Recycling Regulation:

Major household appliances have been regulated under the British Columbia Recycling Regulation. Under this Regulation the "producers" of major household appliances (typically first sellers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers etc.) are obligated to have an approved stewardship plan, appoint an agency with an approved stewardship plan or comply with Part 3 of the Regulation in order to sell or distribute major household appliances in British Columbia.

The Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR):

The Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR) is a not-for-profit stewardship agency created to implement and operate a stewardship plan for end-of-life major household appliances in the province of British Columbia (BC) on behalf of the major appliance "producers" who are obligated under the BC Recycling Regulation. The MARR stewardship plan received the approval of BC's Ministry of Environment on June 29, 2012, and today is the only approved stewardship plan for major appliances in the province.

Joining MARR to Comply with the BC Recycling Regulation:

If your company is obligated under the BC Recycling Regulation, registering as a participant of MARR and appointing MARR as your "agent" by August 1, 2013 enables your business to comply with these requirements. Registration with MARR is also available to companies in the supply chain who are upstream or downstream from the legally obligated party in BC.

Products Covered by MARR:

Major appliances that have been designated for residential use, including dual fuel natural gas or propane products provided the other power source is electricity. Appliances used in or sold for industrial, commercial and/or institutional (IC&I) applications that have the same essential design characteristics as major household appliances, as defined above, are also included. All program products that are used for the purpose of refrigeration or freezing must contain a compressor and/or refrigerant gases. All channels of distribution are captured, including internet/catalog sales.

Major product types include:

  • Refrigerators, wine coolers and beverage centers
  • Freezers
  • Portable, room and window air conditioners
  • Portable Dehumidifiers
  • Clothes dryers / steam cleaners
  • Ranges, built-in ovens and surface cooking units
  • Built-in and over the range microwave ovens
  • Dishwashers
  • Food waste disposers and trash compactors
  • Electric beverage dispensers

For a detailed list of included products and relevant definitions, please see here.

How MARR is Funded:

MARR is funded by Administrative Program Fees (APFs) applied to the sale and supply of new, major household appliances in British Columbia. The fees are used by MARR to cover all costs associated with implementing the MARR stewardship plan. These fees are reported and remitted to MARR by registered MARR participants (manufacturers, distributors, retailers) who have joined MARR to fulfill their regulatory obligations.

More Information:

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on:

  • The BC Recycling Regulation and the definition of "producers"
  • The MARR program and the products captured
  • Administrative Program Fee (APF) rates and policies
  • Who in the supply chain should join MARR and remit APFs
  • How to register with MARR