Resolutions

Whereas urban municipalities deliver critical solid waste management services to residents, fundamental to quality of life in Saskatchewan; and

Whereas urban municipalities have a central role in collecting and processing recyclable materials, developing local and regional waste reduction strategies and educating the public about waste management practices; and

Whereas SUMA  and its members have been leaders advocating for the Multi-Material Recycling Program and other stewardship and extended producer responsibility; and

Whereas changing global commodity markets for recycling materials have significantly impacted waste-diversion strategies:

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate and work with the federal government and provincial government to:
1. Eliminate problematic and toxic products that pollute our environment such as micro-plastics and regulate the use of plastics and additives that are toxic or cannot be recycled;
2. Reduce the use of single-use plastics; and
3. Create incentives for reducing waste and the reusability of products and packaging, and to increase the reuse, recycling, and composting products and packaging.

2019-010

In November 2018, environment Ministers agreed to work collectively toward a common goal of plastics reduction and approved in principle a Canada-wide strategy on zero plastic waste. This strategy outlines a vision to keep all plastics in the economy and out of the environment. Movement toward a circular economy model for plastic will require collaboration from a wide variety of stakeholders, such as industry, government, and consumers. All of the areas of concern raised by SUMA are addressed in this strategy. Saskatchewan will continue to engage with all of those involved in the plastic value chain to achieve the ambitious goals set in this strategy.

The ministry also continues to work toward the development of a solid-waste management strategy for the province. I look forward to working with SUMA members on the implementation of the strategy, which the ministry intends to release later this year once reccomendations from the Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee have been received and considered.