Transitioning to Full EPR
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Plan submitted by Multi-Material Stewardship Western (now SK Recycles), on behalf of producers, in September 2023.
The Program Plan
The approval initiates a shift towards a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for managing household packaging and paper. The Program Plan was developed as a result of Saskatchewan releasing the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023.
Producer responsibility
Producers, including retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants, will now assume operational and financial responsibility for managing household packaging and paper, from collection to recycling through a phased transition process, starting December 1, 2024.
Current EPR Model:
75%
Shared Responsibility
- Producers responsible for up to 75% of the costs.
- Local governments manage own programs.
Future EPR Model:
100%
Managed by Producers
- Producers assume operational and financial responsibility for collecting and recycling household packaging and paper products.
- Local governments and private collection contractors partner with SK Recycles for collection and SK Recycles ensures material is responsibly recycled
The approval follows months of engagements and underscores the collaborative effort towards achieving efficient and sustainable packaging and paper recycling in Saskatchewan.
The shift to EPR supports a circular economy, where material is collected, recycled and available as recycled content to be made into new products or packaging, keeping material in the economy and out of the environment.
SK Recycles is the producer responsibility organization in Saskatchewan for delivery of the Program Plan on behalf of producers, ensuring producers are fulfilling their obligations under the new regulations.
SK Recycles will partner with various entities to ensure effective collection and recycling of household packaging and paper, including local governments, private collection contractors, material recovery facilities, transporters, and First Nations and Métis communities.
The transition from the current shared-responsibility program to a full EPR system, entirely managed and operated by SK Recycles on behalf of its producer members, will take place in three phases starting December 1, 2024, with the transition anticipated to be complete by the end of 2027.
SK Recycles is actively engaging with community partners and has established a dedicated working group for Phase 1 of the transition, with plans for a Phase 2 working group in the near future.
The Multi-Material Stewardship Western model program (shared responsibility) will continue for existing collectors until they transition to the new SK Recycles full EPR system or until the end of 2027.
The new EPR program will lead to a coordinated province-wide recycling system, an expanded and consistent list of accepted materials, better access to recycling for more communities and households, operational efficiencies, and a harmonized approach to recycling in Saskatchewan contributing to better recycling outcomes and a more sustainable future.
Eligibility and Efficiency Criteria
Tuesday October 29, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Criteria Overview | Presentation
All Stakeholder Groups Virtual Session
Monday, July 10, 2023, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST
Presentation | Recording
Consultation Engagement Insights
Consultation Questions and Answers
Local Governments and Communities Virtual Session
Wednesday, July 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST
Presentation | Recording
Waste Management Companies Virtual Session
Wednesday, July 5, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST
Presentation | Recording
Producers and Producer Associations Virtual Session
Tuesday, July 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST
Presentation | Recording
Summary of Engagements
In June 2023, Multi-Material Stewardship Western (now SK Recycles) released a draft Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Plan for feedback. Engagements on the draft Program Plan took place between June 13 and August 13, 2023 and full details can be found here.