Recycling

We in Saskatchewan are committed to a healthy environment and a sustainable economy. Along with that is a growing recognition that we need to get past the "throw away" mentality. In fact, we now understand that much of what used to be called "waste" is a resource that can be re-used. In this section you will find how recycling helps reduce the amount of solid waste going into our landfills, encourages the development of new technologies and creates jobs. There is also information about Saskatchewan government-enabled recycling programs.

RecycleSaskatchewan.ca - This website managed by Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, and assisted by the organizations listed below, can help you find information what can be recycled in Saskatchewan and where things can be dropped off.

The Ministry of Environment created, monitors, evaluates and administers regulations for the following programs:

1. Electronic Waste Recycling - Ensure your end-of-life electronic products are recycled responsibly and help divert thousands of tonnes of old electronic waste from Saskatchewan landfills. You can recycle your old electronics at any SARCAN depot. Check out www.sweepit.ca for information. SWEEP (Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program) is a non-profit corporation established by manufacturers, retailers, and other stakeholders for the purpose of coordinating the collection and recycling of obsolete electronic equipment.
   
   
2. Paint Recycling - Drop off unwanted household paint to be recycled at any SARCAN depot in the province. SARCAN also offers a free Paint Exchange Program. Check out www.productcare.ca for information.. Product Care is a not-for-profit industry sponsored association that manages product stewardship programs for household hazardous and special waste on behalf of its members across Canada.
   
   
3. Beverage Container Recycling - Take your non-refillable, ready-to-serve beverage containers to any SARCAN depot and receive a deposit refund. These containers include metal, plastic, and glass packaging and juice boxes. SARCAN also collects other recyclables on behalf other recycling agencies in Saskatchewan. Go to www.sarcsarcan.ca for information.
   
   
4. Scrap Tire Recycling - Millions of used tires are diverted from the Saskatchewan's waste stream by recycling them into useful, marketable items, such as speed bumps, vehicle ramps, tree rings and mulch mats and running tracks, etc. Check out www.scraptire.sk.ca for information. The Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation (SSTC) is a non-profit, non-government organization that delivers the province-wide tire recycling program.
   
   
5. Used Oil Recycling - Improperly discarding used oil materials in fields, ditches, drains or on roadsides contributes to environmental pollution and wastes non-renewable natural resources. When collected, used oil materials can be recycled and reprocessed into useful products. Check out www.usedoilrecycling.com for information. Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corporation has a mandate to develop, implement and maintain a single, cost-effective, province-wide Used Oil Materials Recycling Program for used oil, used oil filters and used oil containers on behalf of its members.

Household Hazardous Waste Days - This program provides Saskatchewan residents with an opportunity to properly dispose of household chemicals and waste products they no longer use. Unused items include: fluorescent light bulbs, solvents that people have in their homes, domestic use pesticides and corrosive cleaners. This program gives people a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of household hazardous wastes. The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council maintains a list of dates and locations of Household Hazardous Waste Days across the province on their website.

Saskatchewan's Green Directory - The Saskatchewan EcoNetwork received funding from the Ministry of Environment for the development and operation of a province-wide web-based green directory. This directory provides consumers with a listing of Saskatchewan-based suppliers that offer green products or services.