Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Approves Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program for Household Packaging and Paper
On May 16, 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan ushered in a new era of household packaging and paper recycling with the approval of Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW)’s Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Plan (Program Plan) to meet The Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023.
This approval initiates a shift towards a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model, where producers will assume operational and financial responsibility for managing household packaging and paper throughout its lifecycle, from collection to recycling. This shift will start December 1, 2024.
Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW) 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.
MMSW submitted an initial program plan in September 2023. The ministry worked collaboratively with MMSW to address concerns and gaps identified by producers, municipalities and other interested groups. An amended program plan was submitted on April 12, 2024, and approved by the Minister on May 8, 2024. MMSW’s program plan is available on their website at https://www.mmsk.ca/full-epr/.
The ministry has also developed terms and conditions to be followed by MMSW when operating the program. The Ministerial Approval of a Product Stewardship Program is available on the Government of Saskatchewan’s Publications Centre (saskatchewan.ca).
For questions about the product stewardship program plan, please contact Multi-Material Stewardship Western (mmsk.ca).
With approval of the Program Plan, producers such as retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants supplying packaging and paper to residents assume operational and financial responsibility for managing household packaging and paper, from collection to recycling.
MMSW will partner with various entities including local governments, private collection contractors, material recovery facilities, transporters, and First Nations and Métis communities for the collection and recycling of household packaging and paper. Circular Materials is also supporting MMSW with the program transition.
The approval of this program comes after months of consultations and the submission of a draft Program Plan to the Ministry of Environment on September 26, 2023. These engagements underscore the collaborative effort towards achieving efficient and sustainable packaging and paper recycling in Saskatchewan.
To facilitate a smooth transition, MMSW 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 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.
To learn more about the program and its implications, visit mmsk.ca/full-epr. Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards a more sustainable future for packaging and paper stewardship in Saskatchewan.
Transition Timeline
The transition from the current shared-responsibility program to a full EPR system, entirely managed and operated by MMSW on behalf of its producer members, will take place in three phases, with the transition anticipated to be complete by the end of 2027.
MMSW 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.
Phase 1: Large Urban Curbside/Multi-Family; Timing: 6 months after plan approval
Phase 2: Remaining Curbside/Multi-Family; Timing: Phase 1 + 1 year
Phase 3: Depot; Timing: Phase 2 + 1 year
To learn more about the program and its implications, visit mmsk.ca/full-epr. Stay tuned for more updates as Saskatchewan works towards a more sustainable future for packaging and paper stewardship.
