Flash Roundtable: U.S. Tariffs on BC Waste and Recyclables

On October 23, the White House changed the list of Canadian goods hit by its 50% Section 338 tariff. The changes apply to goods entering the U.S. on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on October 30, 2026. 100 product codes were added and 22 removed.

Waste itself is now tariffed. The new codes include HS 3825.10, 3825.20 and 3825.30: municipal waste, sewage sludge and clinical waste.

- The duty applies even if the goods qualify under CUSMA (USMCA), and it’s charged on top of any Section 232 duties. - Also added: a PET resin code, some other plastics, some paper and paperboard (kraft, labels, sacks), and wood products (MDF, fibreboard, packing boxes, joinery). Carpets were added too, which matters for textile and C&D flows. - Removed (some relief for packaging): plastic film, bags and crates, corrugated cartons, paper sacks, moulded pulp and some plywood. - The tariff is being challenged in court. An importer has sued at the U.S. Court of International Trade (Gellert Global Group v. Trump), asking for refunds and a class action. There’s no ruling yet. Lawyers are telling importers to keep records so they can claim refunds later.

We know there are some holding patterns right now, but the effect of these is current and real so a discussion will be helpful

***Who should attend*** Regional districts, municipalities, haulers, processors, brokers, and anyone who ships material south. Any members who may be able to offer a local solutions are welcome to attend to bring awareness of the options.

***What we’ll do together*** - hear who is affected and how (costs, contracts, material that may need a new place to go) - pool what we know about how much BC material crosses the border - trade ideas for keeping material moving or keeping it in BC - find out where CWMA can help: information, or connecting you with each other

This is a working session, not a webinar. Come ready to share what you’re seeing.