What is EPR? - SK Recycles

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 Resources
    - Producer News

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended producer responsibility, or EPR, is a policy approach where producers – the businesses that supply packaging and paper to residents – are financially and, in some cases, operationally responsible for those materials throughout their entire life cycle, including their end-of-life management.

How EPR works

EPR legislation requires producers to take responsibility for the materials they supply to residents once they have reached the end of their useful life. Regulations are introduced at the provincial level to support recycling of these materials. Once implemented, EPR ensures a consistent material list and an integrated material management supply chain. This approach keeps materials in a circular economy, turning recycled content into new packaging and products.

EPR in Saskatchewan

In May of 2024, The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment approved our Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Plan, initiating the shift to a full EPR model for household packaging and paper. The Program Plan was developed as a result of Saskatchewan releasing the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023.

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.