YORKTON — The City of Yorkton will be entering into an agreement with SK Recycles for residential recycling in the city.
Aron Hershmiller – Director of Public Works with the city told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Sept. 22, an agreement was required following a series of changes in recent years.
“In 2010 the Province of Saskatchewan initially rolled out an Act to make regulations requiring the creation and operation of a product management program. In 2013, the provincial government first approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations which launched funding for municipalities in January of 2016,” he explained.
The Province of Saskatchewan recently conducted a review and engagement process of these regulations. As a result of this process, The Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023 came into effect on March 31, 2023.
“The new regulations require the transition to a full extended producer responsibility model, whereby producers assume operational and financial responsibility for collecting and recycling household packaging and paper products in Saskatchewan,” said Hershmiller.
In May 2024, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Plan (Program Plan) submitted by Multi-Material Stewardship Western (now SK Recycles) on behalf of producers.
“SK Recycles is working with Municipalities in Saskatchewan to better manage recyclable products. In order to continue to access recycling funding, municipalities must transition into a contract with SK Recycles by Dec. 1, 2027,” said Hershmiller. “. . . Entering into a contract with SK Recycles is necessary for the City to keep recycling services affordable for residents.”
Under the new program the city would not be responsible for any aspect of recyclable material after it is collected. After collection, SK Recycles will be responsible for the sorting and marketing of material.
Under the community led model:
*Yorkton will continue to deliver household recycling services to residents under a funding contract with SK Recycles
*Yorkton may hire a collection sub-contractor of their choice
*SK Recycles will be responsible for all aspects of the post-collection management of recyclable material
*SK Recycles will assist the community with communication assistance through this transition
Remaining under the ‘community led model’ allows municipalities to control operational decisions, such as selecting their recycling collector and managing curbside services, said Hershmiller.
Through the existing contract with MMSW, the City receives $42.75 per residential household annually.
There are 7,472 households as part of the recycling program for a funding allotment of $319,428.
“The new funding model with SK Recycles will cover $40.75 annually per residential household. This funding is for collection only. Again using our 7472 units that would equate to $304,484. The big difference with the new program is SK Recycles then assumes the responsibility and costs associated for all post collection operations,” detailed Hershmiller.
