Phase 2 Community Documents
Community Recycling: A Shared Responsibility
On February 1, 2028, the shared responsibility model for community recycling is ending and will be replaced by a new full extended producer responsibility (EPR) model. To support the shift from a shared model to a system that is entirely managed and operated on behalf of businesses SK Recycles is undertaking a three-phased approach in its transition. We now are actively in Phase 2 and engaging with communities that are:
- Smaller and more remote that currently have a curbside program with SK Recycles (formerly MMSW) but are smaller than 3,500 population or are more than 300 km from Saskatoon or Regina; and
- Currently part of an eligible Regional Waste Authority (RWA).
Joining the new SK Recycles Program
Phase 2 communities have a decision to make by February 1, 2026 on how to join the new SK Recycles program. In Phase 2, SK Recycles will be responsible for all aspects of the management of collection and post-collection services of household packaging and paper.*
SK Recycles is asking local government administrators and leaders to decide on the future of their community recycling programs by considering the following two decisions:
- Decision 1: Receive curbside and multi-family service directly from SK Recycles beginning February 1, 2028.
- Community will no longer be responsible for curbside and multi-family recycling services for residents or the associated costs; SK Recycles will directly provide collection and post-collection services.
- Communities that do not join the new program after February 1, 2028, may continue to provide recycling services directly to residents; however, the community will not participate in the SK Recycles program and will no longer receive funding from SK Recycles (or MMSW) to support recycling.
- A decision should be submitted to SK Recycles by February 1, 2026, to receive this service in 2028.
- A decision should be submitted to SK Recycles by February 1, 2026, to receive this service in 2028.
- Decision 2: Remain under the current program or join SK Recycles’ new program for the two-year (only) transition period from June 1, 2026, to February 1, 2028.
- Your community will receive an offer from SK Recycles that includes a new agreement and household incentive rate for the collection of household packaging and paper only. SK Recycles will be responsible for all post-collection operations and costs.
- Your community will receive an offer from SK Recycles that includes a new agreement and household incentive rate for the collection of household packaging and paper only. SK Recycles will be responsible for all post-collection operations and costs.
*Note: Regional Waste Authorities (RWAs) that bundle curbside recycling collection services may request to continue acting as a collection service provider beyond 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions – Phase 2
Why are you doing this?
- On March 31, 2023, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment released updated regulations for the management of household packaging and paper products in the province: The Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Regulations, 2023. The Regulations call for a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program whereby producers will become operationally and financially responsible for the collection, transportation, consolidation, processing, and marketing of household packaging and paper.
- SK Recycles will deliver the program on behalf of producers, working in partnership with collection and post-collection partners.
What happens if we do not join your program?
- Communities that do not join the new program after February 1, 2028, may continue to provide recycling services directly to residents; however, the community will not participate in the SK Recycles program and will no longer receive funding from SK Recycles (or MMSW) to support recycling.
Do communities have to participate in the SK Recycles program?
We encourage all communities to join. Those that do not join the new program may continue receiving funding support from our shared responsibility program until February 2028 at which time that funding will stop if they haven’t transitioned to the new SK Recycles program.
Can a municipality have both curbside and depot recycling once phase 3 rolls out?
SK Recycles is still gathering information and working with all working groups (Phase 1, 2, 3) to determine the best depot recycling model in Saskatchewan. We have not yet determined whether multiple levels of service for household recycling (curbside and depot) will be a model that continues.
How should a municipality manage their existing contracts with contractors that expire between the deadline to participate in the new EPR program and the implementation of the service by SK Recycles?
While we cannot provide direction on specific contractual decisions, municipalities are encouraged to engage in discussions with their current contractors.
Will SK Recycles have communications that the municipality can send to residents to inform them of the new program?
Yes, SK Recycles has communication materials that municipalities can share with residents to help inform them about the new EPR program. These materials help to ensure consistent messaging across communities and will include communication pieces, such as the full recycling material list, example collection guide and social media templates. All these materials are now on the collector resources portal for SK Recycles, and when communities join the program, they get access to these materials.