INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC INVITED TO HELP SHAPE NEW RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM

A public consultation meeting and webcast on May 4 in Saskatoon is a step toward improving recycling opportunities for residents across the province.

Industry and municipal representatives, along with the public, are invited to participate in a discussion on the design of a new residential Multi-Material Recycling Program (MMRP) for printed paper and packaging materials such as paper, metal, cardboard, glass and plastic.

"Our government is committed to managing waste in an environmentally responsible manner," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "The long-term solution for public recycling in Saskatchewan is solidly-built, well-supported industry stewardship programs. It is a model that has served us well for waste electronics, scrap tires, used oil, waste paint and beverage containers."

Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to participate in this meeting to become informed about the future posibilities for recycling services in Saskatchewan. This includes companies that sell consumer products in the province, representatives of municipalities that offer recycling services, private waste management operators, not-for-profits and environmental organizations and the general public. All are invited to register at www.mmstewardship.ca/consultation.html to attend in person or by webcast and provide their views.

A MMRP consultation paper is posted on the above noted website that provides background information, data on current waste and recyclables management in Saskatchewan and an outline for how the new stewardship program might work.

"We know that achieving a recycling target of anything more than 50 per cent is going to take a great deal of effort and a deep seated commitment by all stakeholders," Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors Vice President Allen Langdon said. "This is a fundamental change for Saskatchewan residents but at the same time, it's a fantastic opportunity for all of us to take steps daily to protect the environment in a way that we've been eager to do for quite some time."

Date: May 4, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. MDT
Location: Saskatoon Inn Hotel and Conference Centre or by webcast
To register: Call 1-888-277-2762 ext 3368
Email info@mmstewardship.ca
MMRP Consultation Paper:
http://www.mmstewardship.ca/pdf/consultation_paper_april21.pdf

Results of the consultation and future program developments will be posted online. Visit: http://www.mmstewardship.ca

In March, the Ministry of Environment provided $350,000 from the Go Green Fund for development and consultation on the Multi-Material Recycling Program with a goal to commence the program in 2011.

For more information or to register contact 1-888-277-2762 ext 3368 or email info@mmstewardship.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412