On October 1, 2018, Alberta’s used oil materials recycling program will transfer from the Alberta Used Oil Management Association (AUOMA) to Alberta Recycling.
The Government of Alberta first announced its intention to transfer the program on November 28, 2017, as part of the government’s ongoing review of agencies, boards, and commissions. On June 1, 2018, the government released Orders in Council to amend the regulations and set the transfer date for October 1.
About Alberta Recycling
Alberta Recycling oversees Alberta’s tire, electronics, and paint recycling programs. It is a registered not-for-profit organization that reports to the Minister of Environment and Parks. It is composed of six organizations that represent stakeholder interests, and each of these organizations appoints a director to the Alberta Recycling Board of Directors. An additional director is appointed by the Minister to represent the public. The Chairs of the Tire Recycling Alberta Industry Council, Paint Recycling Industry Council, and Electronics Recycling Industry Council are also Directors. More information is available at albertarecycling.ca.
As we approach the transfer date
AUOMA and Alberta Recycling have been working closely to plan a smooth program transfer since the Government of Alberta’s first announcement in November 2017. This has included conversations with UOMAs about how to contact Alberta Recycling after October 1, as well as how to cooperate on projects and initiatives in the best interest of UOMA members. There has been ongoing communication with Alberta’s Environmental Handling Charge Remitters, Registered Collectors, and Registered Processors to assure them of business as usual through the planning period and provide notice of administrative changes required to support efficient operations after October 1. Information has been made available to people who use Alberta’s used oil materials recycling program, reassuring them that they will be able to continue to drop off used oil, oil filters, and used oil containers at more than 230 drop-off locations across Alberta.
The status of AUOMA
Once Alberta Recycling assumes responsibility for Alberta’s used oil materials recycling program on October 1, AUOMA will be without a specified mission and source of funding. On September 17, 2018, AUOMA held a Special Meeting with its Members to discuss the AUOMA Board’s recommendation to the Members to dissolve the Association. The voting Members, which included a contingent of proxy votes, made the decision to dissolve the association effective 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2018.
