GO GREEN FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY RECYCLING PROGRAMS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Public recycling programs in Saskatchewan will receive a total of $2 million to sustain their operations through difficult economic times that have resulted in a sharp decline in the value of salvage materials.

"Through no fault of their own, these recycling programs are struggling to survive because economic conditions have changed, but Saskatchewan's commitment to recycling has not," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "Bridge funding is essential to keep these services operating while we continue to work with stakeholders on developing an industry-led, province-wide, recycling stewardship program."

The grants, which come from the Saskatchewan Go Green Fund, are subject to the same rigorous reporting procedures as any other provincial grant. The amounts are based on estimated recycling volumes associated with each organization:

• $960,000 to the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) to support cardboard and paper recycling operations;
• $376,000 to the Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan (ARWMAS) for regional recycling operations related to paper, plastic, tin and glass; and
• $664,000 to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association to support municipal cardboard and paper recycling operations not already receiving funds through SARC or ARWMAS systems.

The Ministry of Environment is researching the feasibility of a province-wide, multi-materials recycling program. Such a program will provide a long-term solution for the recycling of paper, plastic, metal and glass in Saskatchewan.

"It is important that we do not lose the progress we have made in building a culture of recycling in Saskatchewan," Legislative Secretary on Recycling Greg Ottenbreit said. "With this funding, we are delivering on our government's commitment to ensuring that the public has continued access to recycling programs."

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Redston
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796