The Government of Saskatchewan announced residents can soon anticipate a new provincial recycling program aimed at household hazardous waste. The provincial government authorized The Household Hazardous Waste Product Stewardship Regulations, which requires the products manufacturers to take an active role in the safe disposal of the containers.

In an announcement late last week, the government shared the regulations require first-sellers, those who manufacture, sell or distribute the hazardous waste products, to “operate a stewardship program for the collection and safe disposal of these products”.

Dustin Duncan, Environment Minister, stated they recognize household hazardous waste as being a priority issue and the stewardship program will, “help protect the environment by reducing the amount of hazardous material improperly disposed of in our municipal landfills and sewer systems”.

Hazardous waste products include materials with a flammable, corrosive or toxic symbol on the container, as well as, pesticides and batteries.

First-sellers now have 180 days to submit their product stewardship program to the Ministry of Environment for review and if approved, an announcement will be made as to the details of the program and implementation timeline.

The government outlined other successful stewardship-based initiatives throughout the province where the producers of the products manage the full life-cycle of the product, which aids in systems and accountability for environmentally friendly and safe, disposal. These systems include products such as tires, electronics and automotive fluids.