SASKATOON — Starting in January 2028, SK Recycles will deliver both the curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs for the City of Saskatoon.
Saskatoon City Council has approved making a formal written submission to SK Recycles (formerly Multi-Material Stewardship Western), the provincial stewardship agency, signalling intent to participate in their SK Recycles-led collection models.
The 2028 launch will allow time to transition the funding model for waste services that had previously been supported by SK Recycles funding. The change is not expected to disrupt the service level for residents, says the city in a recent news release.
The decision follows a formal offer from SK Recycles to transition to its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) household recycling program. In May 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment approved the , appointing SK Recycles to take over municipal recycling programs.
A to the April 1 meeting of the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services Committee provided a detailed analysis of the options available to the city. Due to considerations such as existing contractual requirements for blue carts and compost depots, administration recommended and city council approved maintaining the status quo while administration works with SK Recycles and recycling service providers to explore an interim agreement that could see the city join earlier as a collector.
Residents will learn more about the service-provider change in the months leading up to the 2028 SK Recycles implementation. By 2028, all Saskatchewan communities will have the option to transition to a for household packaging and paper, joining the SK Recycles program.
