Waste Reduction Week is a Reminder to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Released on October 20, 2014

Environment Minister Scott Moe today proclaimed October 20-26 as Waste Reduction Week in Saskatchewan, joining provinces across the country in recognizing the importance of managing and reducing waste.

“With Saskatchewan growing, it is everyone’s responsibility to find ways to reduce the waste that we create and we can do that by practicing the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle,” Moe said.  “With access to some of the most successful recycling programs in the country, Saskatchewan people are becoming more mindful about protecting our environment, making recycling a good habit.  This is evident by the increased demand for community recycling programs.”

There was a time when an old television, used oil container or left-over paint was simply dumped in the garbage.  Waste Reduction Week helps raise awareness of the impact that these and other waste materials have on our environment and the need to move away from that throw-away attitude.

Reusing and recycling materials helps to extend the life of our existing landfills.  According to Recycle Saskatchewan, more than 44,000 tonnes and 19 million litres of beverage containers, tires, waste electronics, used oil and paint were diverted from our landfills in 2013.

The theme for Waste Reduction Week, "Too Good to Waste", drives home the important message that residents need to act now to protect the natural environment and help maintain the excellent quality of life in Saskatchewan.  Saskatchewan has too much good to waste!

“The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council greatly appreciates the support of the Ministry of Environment in proclaiming Waste Reduction Week in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council Executive Director Joanne Fedyk said.  “This week presents a good reminder of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle waste as we aim to make every week a waste reduction week in Saskatchewan.”

Saskatchewan’s Waste Reduction Week is organized by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.   For more information on where residents can recycle all kinds of waste, visit www.saskwastereduction.ca. 

The Ministry of Environment provides science-based solutions, compliance and mitigation measures aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding communities and helping to ensure a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents.

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For more information, contact:

Barb Barootes
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6595
Email: barbara.barootes@gov.sk.ca

Joanne Fedyk
Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-955-8433
Email: joanne@saskwastereduction.ca