Update to Regina's recycling program loses some items, gains many more

Updates to the recycling rules in Regina could mean less waste headed to the landfill.

An abundance of changes came into effect on July 1. Items like paper coffee cups, ice cream cartons and paper takeout containers now have the green light for blue bins.

Meanwhile, many types of flexible plastics will now be accepted at recycling depots, including chip bags, shrink wrap, resealable bags and bubble wrap.

Janet Aird, manager of program development delivery with the City of Regina, explained the changes at Regina's Waste Management Centre on Monday.

"There are some items that will not be accepted any longer," Aird said. "But there are many more items being added to the program, strengthening our collective efforts to reduce waste that's going to the landfill, protect the environment, and move closer to our diversion goals."

Beyond glass, the only other thing no longer allowed after the update is Nespresso's green bag recycling program. Single-use Keurig cups, however, can now go into the blue bin once cleaned.

Kelly Goyer, director of field services with Sask Recycles, explained the reason behind these changes.

"These updates are part of Saskatchewan's transition to a full extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for household packaging and paper," said Goyer. "That's a proven model where the businesses that sell packaging and paper to consumers are responsible financially and operationally for the end-of-life management."

Goyer said Sask Recycles delivers this program on behalf of those businesses with collaboration from municipalities, First Nations and Métis communities, private sector partners and residents. 

"We're already seeing positive impacts of EPR programs in other provinces, like British Columbia, for example, where 94 per cent of collected material is recycled, and now Saskatchewan is following suit."