The City of Saskatoon is preparing for a significant shift in its residential recycling services, as City Council has formally approved participation in the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling program led by SK Recycles. Beginning in January 2028, SK Recycles will assume responsibility for both curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs in the city.
The decision was made official during a Council meeting today, with members voting in favour of submitting a formal expression of intent to the provincial stewardship agency, SK Recycles, formerly known as Multi-Material Stewardship Western.
The transition follows a formal offer from SK Recycles and comes on the heels of new provincial regulations. In May 2024, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, designating SK Recycles to lead recycling services across municipalities under the new EPR framework.
Under this model, producers of household packaging and paper will be financially responsible for the end-of-life management of their products, shifting the funding model away from municipalities and ultimately reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
A report presented at the April 1 meeting of the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee (EU&CS) outlined the City’s available options. While some municipalities may opt to join the program sooner, Saskatoon will maintain its current recycling structure for now due to existing contracts related to blue carts and compost depots.
City Administration recommended, and Council agreed, to preserve the current service arrangements during the interim. In the meantime, officials will work closely with SK Recycles and local service providers to explore the possibility of an earlier interim agreement that could allow the City to join as a collector before the full transition date.
Despite the shift in program leadership, the City assured residents that the change will not impact the level of recycling service they receive. The transition is expected to be smooth, with service continuity maintained throughout the process.
“Residents won’t notice a difference in how their recycling is collected in the short term,” the City said. “Closer to 2028, more information will be provided to ensure a clear understanding of what the change means and how it benefits the community.”
By 2028, all Saskatchewan municipalities will have the opportunity to join the full EPR program administered by SK Recycles, which is designed to streamline recycling efforts and enhance environmental accountability across the province.
The City plans to begin communications with residents well in advance of the implementation date, ensuring a clear and coordinated rollout.
This move marks a major milestone in Saskatoon’s ongoing efforts to modernize waste management services and improve sustainability outcomes. The shift to EPR aligns with broader provincial and national trends aimed at making producers more accountable for the materials they generate.
More details will be released as the transition planning progresses.
