THE City of Saskatoon is weighing a significant shift in its recycling services following a formal offer from SK Recycles, previously known as Multi-Material Stewardship Western, to adopt its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) household recycling program. The proposal comes on the heels of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment’s approval of the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations in May 2024, paving the way for SK Recycles to assume control of municipal recycling programs across the province.
A detailed report set to be presented at the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services meeting on April 1, 2025, outlines the city’s options. While the provincial stewardship agency prepares to take over recycling responsibilities, Saskatoon’s City Administration is recommending a cautious approach. Citing existing contracts for blue carts and compost depots, officials suggest maintaining the current curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs without changes until December 2027.
Looking ahead, the administration advises signaling the city’s intent to join SK Recycles’ collection models starting in January 2028.
This transition, they argue, would provide ample time to adjust the funding structure for waste services—previously supported by SK Recycles funding—while ensuring no disruption to service levels for residents. The move is also projected to be the most cost-effective option.
“By aligning with SK Recycles in 2028, we can maintain stability for our residents while responsibly transitioning to the new provincial framework,” a city official said. Residents can expect more information about the service-provider switch in the lead-up to the 2028 implementation.
The shift is part of a broader provincial plan, with all Saskatchewan communities expected to adopt the full EPR program for household packaging and paper by 2028 under SK Recycles’ leadership. The initiative aims to streamline recycling efforts and shift responsibility for managing packaging and paper waste to producers.
