Flexible plastics, foam packages and glass bottles and jars can now be dropped off at all 73 SARCAN depots throughout the province thanks to the expansion of the SK Recycles program.
Previously, SK Recycles — a not-for-profit that evolved from the previous Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW) program — had been accepting packaging and paper.
On December 3, they announced that through a partnership with SARCAN, they will begin accepting a range of new materials that are not accepted in household recycling bins.
A new marketing campaign that uses social, digital and traditional media to let consumers know of the changes was also launched December 1.
Residents are now encouraged to return the following items to their local SARCAN depot:
- Flexible Plastics (plastic bags; stand-up and zipper lock pouches; crinkly wrappers and bags; plastic net bags; plastic protective packaging)
- Foam Packaging (foam take-out containers; foam trays for meat, seafood, or vegetables; foam protective packaging for electronics or appliances)
- Glass Bottles and Jars (bottles and jars for olive oil, pickles, jam, etc.)
These materials will be recycled in Saskatchewan and Western Canada, with glass bottles being made into reflective beads for road marking paint and fibreglass insulation, flexible plastics being converted into plastic pellets for the manufacturing of products like bins and buckets, and foam being turned into picture frames and crown moulding.
“We are very pleased to launch our program and to accept these new items in partnership with SARCAN,” said Sam Baker, vice president of operations for SK Recycles.
“We’re passionate about supporting household packaging and paper recycling in Saskatchewan and advancing environmental outcomes through this program. We’re here to support, educate, and encourage everyone across the province to recycle more and recycle right, so that we can create a more sustainable future for our province.”
Amy McNeil, executive director for SARC and SARCAN Recycling, said this expansion not only helps the organization meet its commitment to build cleaner, greener communities across Saskatchewan, “but it also means new green career opportunities for people of all abilities in our province.”
Saskatchewan Environment Minister Travis Keisig said that this partnership between SK Recycles and SARCAN will significantly boost waste diversion across the province and “help us reach our targets of reducing waste per person by 30 per cent 20230 and 50 per cent by 2040.”
He added, “This is a big step forward for our province and our environment.”
Joanne Fedyk, executive director of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, also expressed excitement at the new opportunities for residents to recycle certain types of problematic packaging and keep them out of landfills.
“SK Recycles and SARCAN teaming up will be a win for both organizations and, most importantly, a win for Saskatchewan residents. It allows the SK Recycles program to be province-wide and builds on a trusted, well-established depot network,” Fedyk said.