PROVINCE STRENGTHENS RECYCLING AND IMPROVED WASTE MANAGEMENT

The provincial government has approved a funding grant for Saskatchewan's regional waste management authorities.

Saskatchewan Environment is providing $700,000 to regional waste management authorities to address operating deficits and to keep regional waste authorities viable. The next step will be to undertake formal consultation on a comprehensive multi-material recycling program for paper, plastics, glass and tin. The consultation will take place this spring with the intent to implement a multi-material program in April 2006.

"This investment will help to stabilize the regional waste management authorities, as we continue to work in partnership to reduce waste and build a green and prosperous Saskatchewan," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "This is consistent with our vision of improved waste management and expanded recycling."

"Without this financial commitment from the province, our progress to sustain and expand recycling in Saskatchewan would be critically undermined," Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan Chair Wally Lorenz said. "We must continue to develop affordable ways for people to recycle and reduce our reliance on landfills."

The province provided a four-year, $2.3 million capital infrastructure grant beginning in the year 2000 to further provincial progress on waste management.

The regional waste management systems serve over 121 thousand people across the province from 92 urban municipalities, 49 rural municipalities, two First Nations and several northern communities.

Between 1988 and 1998, Saskatchewan reduced its solid waste by 26.5 per cent.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-5796