ANNIE PROULX 

Dalhousie University, MS in Environmental Studies 

H.H.H. Safety & Spirit of the Waste Industry Scholar 2026 

Project Title 

Assessing the Effectiveness of Extended Producer Responsibility Policy Implementation in the European Union and Nova Scotia 

Project Description 

Proulx’s research examines a policy approach called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Under EPR, companies that put products on the market are responsible to help fund and operate recycling programs for those products. The approach is based on the idea that when producers share responsibility for the waste generated by their products, they have a greater incentive to design packaging that is easier to recycle and reduce unnecessary packaging.  This project compares how EPR programs for plastic and packaging are structured and implemented in countries around the world and in several Canadian provinces. It then takes a closer look at Nova Scotia, which has recently adopted EPR for plastic and packaging. By studying what makes these programs effective, the challenges they face, and how different regions structure their recycling systems, the research identifies lessons that can help inform the development of Nova Scotia’s program.  This work is important because packaging waste is a growing component of the waste stream, while recycling systems often face challenges in managing these materials. Understanding how different policy approaches affect waste reduction, recycling, costs, and environmental outcomes can help inform the development of more effective recycling systems. By drawing on experiences from other jurisdictions, Proulx’s research aims to provide useful insights for Nova Scotia as it develops its approach to managing plastic and packaging waste. 

Biography 

Annie Proulx earned her BA from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2025, double majoring in Environment, Sustainability & Society (Honours) and Law, Justice & Society. She is currently working on her Master of Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University, where she is researching Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in global and Canadian contexts. Annie completed a co-op at Indigenous Services Canada in 2024 and with Divert NS’s EPR team in 2026. She is passionate about recycling, solid waste management, and the circular economy.