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By Cam Lee

Melfort recycling

Recycling materials expanded for Melfort residents

Aug 7, 2025 | 2:05 PM

Residents in Melfort have more options when it comes to recycling.

Additional paper and packaging items can now be included in their curbside collection cart. That includes ice cream cartons, disposable coffee cups, and paper gift bags.

“This new household paper and packaging recycling program is being implemented by the City in partnership with SK Recycles, the new provincial not-for-profit recycling program for household packaging and paper,” said Director of Works and Utilities Kalyna Cipywnyk. “With full Extended Producer Responsibility in effect, businesses that supply packaging and paper to residents are financially and operationally responsible for those materials throughout their entire life cycle, including their end-of-life management. SK Recycles, which evolved from Multi-Material Stewardship Western, will help these businesses fulfill their responsibilities.”

Cipywnyk said under the new program, residents can put more types of materials in their curbside recycling bin without an increase in their collection fees. The City plans to provide more information about the new program and the materials now accepted in the coming months. In the meantime, anyone with questions about the program can contact City Hall or visit the City of Melfort’s website.

“As a note, this new program only applies to residents with curbside carts,” explained Cipywnyk. “People living in multi-family units who do not participate in the curbside program are encouraged to continue to recycle their paper and cardboard using the Plus Industries depot drop-off locations throughout the City.”

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Some of the new materials that are being accepted in the blue bins are:

• Paper bags, including lunch bags, multi-layer bags from flour/sugar, and paper gift bags/boxes
• Clean, non-durable paper food containers
• Paper or plastic beverage cups (empty, rinsed)
• Frozen Dessert boxes (empty, rinsed)
• Spiral wound cans with metal lids
• Clean aluminum foil wrap or disposable containers
• Plastic Clamshells (empty, rinsed)
• Plastic trays and tops that are clear or have black bottom trays with clear domes
• Plastic Pails (less than 25L)
• Microwavable bowls and cups (empty, rinsed)
• Lightweight, disposable clothes hangers
• Plastic tape dispensers
• Plastic dental floss containers

Cipywnyk recommends residents visit the City’s website for a list of items that are not accepted.

The Melfort SARCAN recycling depot also accepts several materials that people can recycle. They include:

• Non-Deposit Glass Bottles & Jars
• Flexible plastics, including plastic bags and overwrap, stand-up and zipper lock pouches, crinkly plastic (bags for candy, chips, pasta, etc.), packaging with a plastic seal (deli meats & cheeses), net plastic bags, shrink wrap, bubble wrap.
• Foam packaging, including food containers/trays and foam cushion packaging.

Residents can also check the Melfort SARCAN website for any updates or additions to materials that they accept. Meanwhile, Cipywnyk recommends visiting the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council website for a database of what materials can be recycled in each community.

The recycling curbside collection program began in 2018, and the response seems to indicate it has been a success.

“In 2024, a total of approximately 450 tonnes of recyclable material was collected through both the curbside and depot programs,” Cipywnyk said. “Our goal with the new program and expanded material list is that we will see this volume grow, as any waste that is diverted from the landfill ensures that it does not reach capacity as fast as if we threw everything away.”

The reduction of waste, Cipywnyk said, reduces costs for the taxpayers and helps preserve the environment.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com