The Government of Saskatchewan recently enacted The Household Hazardous Waste Product Stewardship Regulations, paving the way for an important new provincial recycling program.
The regulations require first sellers – businesses that manufacture, sell or distribute household hazardous waste products in the province – to operate a product stewardship program for the collection and safe disposal of these products. Household hazardous waste includes materials with a flammable, corrosive or toxic symbol on the container, as well as pesticides and batteries.
“Through consultation and engagement with the public, we clearly understand that household hazardous waste is a priority issue, as it poses a risk to human health, safety and the environment,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “A new household hazardous waste stewardship program will help protect the environment by reducing the amount of hazardous material improperly disposed of in our municipal landfills and sewer systems.”
The development of regulations for an industry-led household hazardous waste program has been a significant focus for the Ministry of Environment over the past year. Once the program is established, citizens across the province will have access to responsible disposal options for these materials.
The next step for first sellers is to produce a product stewardship program for review by the Ministry of Environment within 180 days. Once approved, a further announcement will be made on program details and implementation.
Saskatchewan has many examples of successful stewardship-based initiatives, including programs focused on the collection of automotive fluids, tires, paint, electronics, paper and packaging, and agricultural plastics. Through this model, producers of these products manage the full life cycle of the products in an environmentally responsible manner and create systems for accountable waste management.
