What is a PRO?
A PRO is an organization retained by a producer to establish and/or operate a collection or management system for a regulated material or group of materials (e.g. batteries, tires, etc.)
What can a PRO do?
- Establish a collection or management system
- Operate a collection or management system
- Assist with promotion and education
- Run a collection day/event on behalf of the producer
- Prepare and submit reports
- Report to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) on behalf of the producer
- Report on performance data
- Complete auditing requirements on behalf of the producer in terms of performance (i.e. PRO can report to RPRA on how much material is collected and processed)
- Track and notify producers when regulatory targets are met
NOTE: The producer is always responsible for meeting regulatory obligations
Considerations when comparing and selecting PROs
Considerations | PRO1 | PRO2 | PRO3 |
Type of relationship with haulers and processors?
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Type of relationship with municipalities
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Does the PRO offer synergies that are not possible with other PROs? |
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Type/extent of collection network?
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IT Chain of Custody?
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How often will the PRO need data?
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Can the PRO audit on behalf of the producer? |
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If materials are collected in excess of regulatory obligation, how will producers be compensated?
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What will the pay schedule be?
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How much is the PRO estimating for Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) charged to the producer – overhead fees, operational fees? |
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Is the PRO not-for-profit or for profit? |
Additional considerations
It can be beneficial to sign up with a PRO that already has a large share of the market since they likely have established collection networks and fleets if they are already picking up other materials. In addition, by signing up with a PRO that has a large market share, visible environmental fees will be consistent across the market.