The Recycling Process

About SK Recycles
- - - SK Recycles is a non-profit organization responsible for managing the recycling of household packaging and paper across Saskatchewan. Working with producers, collectors, municipalities, First Nations, Métis communities, and residents, SK Recycles ensures household materials are collected from households and depots, sorted and responsibly recycled. Our program is funded by over 550 businesses that include retailers, manufacturers and restaurants that supply packaging and paper to Saskatchewan residents, shifting costs away from homeowners.
Collectors
- - - Transitioning to Full EPR
      - Join SK Recycles Program
    - Greenhouse Gas Reporting
  - - Collector Resources
      - Register for Resources
    - Multi-Material Stewardship Western Program
Producers
- - - Producer Registration
    - Reporting & Fees
  - - Producer News
    - Producer Resources

Below shows the steps of the recycling process as the material travels from residents’ homes or depots through the recycling process.

Material is collected from homes and depots.

Your recycling materials are collected either from your curb, multi-family recycling location, or depots in partnership with local governments, First Nations, Métis communities, regional waste authorities or private companies. A specialized truck picks them up and takes them to the next step in the recycling process.

Material is transported to a receiving or sorting facility.

After material is collected from homes, or returned to a depot, the material is brought to a receiving and processing facility.

Material is sorted.

Your materials travel along a series of conveyor belts where sophisticated equipment like optical sorters, ballistic separators and eddy currents separate recyclables into their different material category types while also removing unwanted and un-recyclable contamination.

Material is baled with similar materials.

Then it is baled and prepared for sale to end markets.

Material is sold to end markets to be made into new packaging or products

The bales of sorted materials are sent to end markets where they’re recycled into raw materials ready to be made into new products and packaging. Plastics are shredded and pelletized, paper is pulped, metals are smelted, and glass is crushed or melted. These recycled raw materials are then sold to manufacturers to make new products and packaging.

We are committed to respecting the culturally rich history that the land in which we operate holds with the Dakota and Lakota (Sioux), Denesuline (Dene/Chipewyan), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Nakota (Assiniboine), Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree), and Métis communities in stewardship, care and leadership.

We value and respect the unique connection Indigenous peoples have with the natural world and we embrace the opportunity of continued learning and shared experiences in our work of environmental stewardship and partnership.