Regina is one step closer to adopting Saskatchewan’s provincial recycling model after the city’s Executive Committee unanimously approved a proposal from city administration.
City councillors discussed the proposed changes Wednesday. The move would see the city continue to collect curbside recycling but no longer be responsible for processing.
By turning over the processing to SK Recycles, the city will save $1.6 million, according to report.
“What we will be responsible for is for the collection, the education and supporting customer service of recycling, and that’s a cost recovery,” deputy city manager Kurtis Doney explained.
The Changes
The proposed program will allow residents to recycle new plastic and paper-type items.
These include egg cartons, beverage trays, disposable coffee cups, fruit containers, plastic hangers, tape dispensers, dental floss containers, aluminum cans, take-out containers, paper-based garden pots, banker boxes, detergent jugs or pails and household cleaner bottles.
Collection dates will remain the same.
“To see recycling standardized across the entire province is going to be extremely helpful for residents when they’re traveling or if they move from one community to another,” Ward 8 Coun. Shanon Zachidniak noted during discussions.
However, glass will no longer be accepted in the city’s blue bins. The reasoning is due to the high breakage and potential contamination with other recyclables.
City administration noted that residents will still be able to bring their glass recycling to Sarcan.
The cost of contamination was a topic that came up frequently during the committee’s meeting.
According to city administration, work will be done to improve education and messaging prior to the changes taking place as contamination costs can typically range from $120,000 to $600,000 per year.
To put the penalty into context, the yearly revenue from the community-led recycling program city administration recommends is around $3.3 million, or $49.75 per household.
If approved, the program changes would take effect when the city’s current recycling contract expires at the beginning of June.
City council is set to discuss and vote on the changes at its next meeting on March 5.
