Saskatchewan to commence paper and packaging recycling program in 2016

REGINA (Scrap Monster): The new paper and packaging recycling program in Saskatchewan is set to start rolling on Jan 1^st, 2016. The province’s new recycling program aims to divert increased quantities of waste from province’s landfills.

Under the program, businesses that distribute packaged goods and paper will need to share the responsibility for the cost of recycling these materials. All businesses that distribute or sell packaging and paper products in the province under the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations are required to form part of the recycling drive. However, small businesses with annual gross revenue less than $2 million or generating less than one tonne of waste are not required to participate. Also, businesses with annual revenues ranging from $2 million to $5 million will have two-year transition exemption.

As per the new recycling project titled “Multi-Material Recycling Program”, fees will be collected from businesses that generate paper and packaging waste in large quantities. The fee varies according to the volume of waste generated and the size of the businesses. The fees thus collected will be used to fund Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW) - a non-profit organization that will support the recycling program. In turn, MMSW will reimburse municipalities for the collection of paper and packaging waste.

According to Herb Cox, Saskatchewan's Environment Minister, the new recycling initiative maintains perfect balance by identifying the concerns of small and medium businesses in the province and addressing the recycling needs of municipalities. Cox expressed immense pleasure in announcing the launch of the program in 2016. Newspapers will be exempt from the program during the first year, Cox added.