Moving to Full EPR in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has approved the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Plan submitted by Multi-Material Stewardship Western, on behalf of producers, in September 2023. The approval initiates a shift towards a full Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for managing household packaging and paper. The Program Plan was developed as a result of Saskatchewan releasing the Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023.

Producers, including retailers, manufacturers, and restaurants, will now assume operational and financial responsibility for managing household packaging and paper, from collection to recycling through a phased transition process, starting December 1, 2024.

The approval follows months of engagement and underscores the collaborative effort towards achieving efficient and sustainable packaging and paper recycling in Saskatchewan.

The shift to EPR supports a circular economy, where material is collected, recycled and available as recycled content to be made into new products or packaging, keeping material in the economy and out of the environment.

The Role of MMSW

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 will partner with various entities to ensure effective collection and recycling of residential packaging and paper, including local governments, private collection contractors, material recovery facilities, transporters, and First Nations and Métis communities.

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 starting December 1, 2024, 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.

Future EPR Program

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.

Summary of Engagement

In June 2023, MMSW released a draft Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Plan for feedback. Engagement on the draft Program Plan took place between June 13 and August 13, 2023 and full details can be found here.