Welcome

The past three years have seen big changes introduced for household recycling in Saskatchewan.

First, the province has started the process to change the current shared responsibility recycling program to a full EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) program.

The program was introduced with a three phase approach. Phase one was for the cities, except Prince Albert and Humboldt, who are members of regional waste authorities, and two or three of the largest towns. This phase was implemented in February of 2025.

Phase two, which will affect all regional waste authorities and all towns and villages with curbside recycling service, this phase will begin in February of 2026. Phase 3 will include all communities even if their curbside collection was included in the first two phases. Phase 3 will come into effect February of 2027. Full integration of everyone into the new system must be completed by February of 2028.

There have been many questions as to how the new program will operate. The operation of the program has and will continue to change the way our regional waste authority works.

Under the new SK Recycles rules only Phase 1 communities and member municipalities of regional waste authorities are eligible for funding.

In order to help our neighboring communities we have invited them to join NCSWMC as recycling associate members.

We have also applied to SK Recycles for our material recycling facility in Prince Albert to become a registered depot.

Through 2026 and 2027 we will continue to negotiate with SK Recycles for the best options for our member communities.

The changes to the new recycling program have and will continue to change the way our regional waste authority does business.