Government to help Improve Saskatchewan's Scrap Tire Recycling Program
New regulations to ensure province continues to have an effective scrap tire collection program
The Ministry of Environment plans to develop new scrap tire recycling regulations to reflect changing industry needs in Saskatchewan and address increasing public expectations for governance, accountability and transparency.
The new regulations will ensure Saskatchewan continues to have an effective scrap tire collection program that further promotes a sustainable recycling industry within the province.
“This is a very important recycling program for the people of Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “The review of the program showed there are areas where we need to make improvements to ensure the continued recycling of tires and an effective program overall for the industry.”
After initial changes to The Scrap Tire Management Regulations were made in November 2016, an advisory committee was established in January 2017 to conduct a review of the scrap tire management program. The committee members consulted with more than 30 stakeholders to develop recommendations on how to move forward with improved scrap tire recycling in the province. The committee recommended continuing with the Extended Producer Responsibility recycling model, which is applied in other provincial recycling programs. Similar features may include an industry-led governing board and a stakeholder-driven advisory committee. This approach will ensure tire retailers’ obligations for scrap tire recycling is as efficient and effective as possible.
The ministry will develop new regulations and guidance materials, including requirements for a new product stewardship program, to support improved tire recycling operations in the province and reflect the recommendations from the committee.
Current scrap tire recycling services will continue to ensure scrap tires are recycled responsibly until the new program requirements are in place. There will be no changes for retailers who collect recycling fees that fund the current program.
The recommendations identified several areas for improvement, including:
- Clearly defined desired outcomes, expectations and performance measures for the program;
- Identify expected governance for the program operator including membership, board size and composition;
- Establish an advisory committee to ensure strong industry and Saskatchewan representation and input, as well as proper oversight, transparency and accountability;
- Clarify the roles, responsibilities, rights and obligations of each of the key stakeholders within the scrap tire stewardship system in the province;
- Define the process for setting fees that are reasonable, minimize cross-subsidization, and ensure alignment with industry and consumer expectations;
- Require the new product stewardship program, which replaces the previous product management program, to be updated every three years;
- Enable the ministry to define and enforce acceptable end uses and permitting and licensing requirements, including financial assurances for reclamation, standards for storing on site, unlawful dumping and acceptable end uses;
- Increase reporting requirements from the program operator to government, stakeholders and public;
- Enable the ministry to apply oversight and enforcement procedures, including regular audits and penalties for non-compliance; and
- Require the program operator to establish comprehensive contractual arrangements with processors to provide clear guidelines to allow for better planning regarding tire shipment flow and to enable sustainability for Saskatchewan industry.
The Ministry of Environment will continue to work with stakeholders as new regulations and an improved program are developed.
