There is a larger list in Saskatchewan now for the things you can recycle, thanks to SK Recycles, the new provincial recycling program for packaging and paper, and its partnership with SARCAN. Vice President of Operations for SK Recycles, Sam Baker, says as of December 1st, you can now add flexible plastics like bags, stand-up and zipper lock pouches, crinkly wrappers and bags, which would include chip bags and candy wrappers, plastic netting bags and bubble wrap. You can also now recycle foam packing and glass bottles and jars all across the province through SARCAN.

Baker explains that in 2016, the Ministry of Environment introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility program for the management of household packaging and paper, and then in March of 2023, the province released a new regulation for packaging and paper, and now it’s fully in effect. The gist of the program is that producers of these products, like manufacturers, brand owners, and retailers, are financially and operationally responsible for managing household packaging and paper, from collection to recycling.

Amy McNeil, Executive Director of SARC/SARCAN Recycling, says the recycling is sent to other companies who reuse it. The plastics can be made into things like bins and lawn furniture. Clear glass is made into small glass beads for reflective paint. McNeil says, “If you think about that, that clear glass jar that you’re bringing in, is now turned into reflective paint that then gets painted onto the highways.” Foam will be made into picture frames and crown molding, and coloured glass will be sent to Airdrie, Alberta to become fibreglass insulation.