Coquitlam-based KMS Tools faces potential third recycling penalty

Coquitlam-based KMS Tools is facing a potential third administrative penalty after provincial inspectors found the retailer remains out of compliance with B.C.’s recycling regulations.

A July 2 inspection report from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy says KMS Tools continues to distribute packaging and paper products without an approved Extended Producer Responsibility plan or membership in an approved stewardship program. The matter has been referred for a penalty, but no amount has been set.

Under B.C.’s Recycling Regulation, producers must submit an approved plan or appoint an agency to meet their obligations. The province considers KMS Tools a producer because it distributes trademarked cardboard boxes, paper bags and receipts through stores across B.C. Inspectors found no EPR plan on file, and Recycle BC confirmed in January that the company was not a member.

KMS Tools has already been fined $47,300 in two earlier cases. A $19,000 penalty for violations from June 2021 to November 2022 was upheld by the Environmental Appeal Board and has been paid. A $28,300 penalty imposed in May 2025 for later alleged non-compliance is under appeal. Owner Stan Pridham has criticized the rules as unfair and unsuited to the company’s business model.