GO GREEN FUNDING HELPS RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Recycling programs are getting $1.75 million from the province's Go Green Fund to ensure they can continue providing services despite depressed markets and prices for salvage materials.

"Without this funding, there are municipal programs that would have to reduce or suspend the recycling of paper, plastic, metal and glass," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "We are committed to expanding recycling opportunities throughout Saskatchewan and this bridge funding is essential while we continue to develop an industry-led recycling stewardship program."

The money is being provided to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) and the Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan (ARWMAS) based on their estimated recycling volumes.

The three organizations will distribute the money as grants to their recycling affiliates:

• $946,000 to SARC to support cardboard and paper recycling operations, including Cosmopolitan Industries;
• $320,000 to ARWMAS for regional recycling operations; and
• $484,000 to SUMA to support municipal recycling operations not already receiving funds through SARC or ARWMAS.

"SUMA is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Environment in delivering assistance to municipal recycling programs," SUMA President Allan Earle said. "A lot of municipalities are struggling to operate recycling programs under current market conditions. This funding will be helpful to ensure they remain in service until the multi-material recycling program is implemented."

The Ministry of Environment continues to work with the waste reduction industry and stakeholders on plans for a province-wide Multi-Materials Recycling Program which is anticipated to alleviate financial pressures on the existing recycling programs.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Redston
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796
Email: jennifer.redston@gov.sk.ca