In this episode of The Reloop Brief, we’re taking a quick look at Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – what it is, how it started and where it's heading – with insights from Anna Larsson, Reloop’s Circular Economy Development Director.

We look at how EPR has evolved across Europe, explore what’s driving current trends and discuss one of its most critical elements: financing. It’s a key part of making EPR work in practice.

In this episode of the Reloop Brief, we head to Toronto to sit down with Karen Wirsig, Senior Program Manager for Plastics at Environmental Defence. Karen shares insights on Canada’s current plastics policy landscape, the role of public opinion in shaping federal action and talks about why stronger enforcement and reuse infrastructure are essential for tackling single-use packaging.

A recent poll shows that 86% of Canadians support federal action on plastics, across all provinces and political affiliations.

From the growing problem of unnecessary and harmful plastics on grocery shelves to deposit return shortfalls in Ontario, the discussion breaks down where progress has been made and where it might still be lacking, but emphasizing foremost the importance of global cooperation and the role Canada must play in addressing the plastic crisis.

In this episode, Barry Snedden is joined by Anna Larsson, Reloop’s Director of Circular Economy Development, to explore the critical role of mixed waste sorting in boosting recycling rates and reducing emissions. Anna explains why focusing only on source-separated recyclables like bottles and cans isn't enough anymore. Valuable materials are still hidden in black bags, and mixed waste sorting is the key to recovering them.

We learn why mixed waste sorting should be seen as a tool for governments and policymakers alongside other methods, as it provides various recyclables for circular production models, and it even has the potential to reduce waste sector-related emissions by 21%. The conversation unpacks how this approach could strengthen recycling efforts, without being as costly or as complicated as it may seem.