Register for October 24 Annual Steward Meeting 
The 2019 Annual Steward Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at 2:30 pm ET. Based on steward feedback, the meeting will be a webinar event again this year. The Report to Stewards that includes 2020 fee rates will be distributed in advance. Click here to register.
Steward survey results
Thanks to all stewards who took the time to complete our recent survey. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help CSSA to improve its services and interactions with stewards. A summary of the survey results is available here . 
Voluntary Steward deadline – December 1
New Voluntary Stewards who wish to start reporting in 2020 are asked to submit a Voluntary Steward Agreement (VSA) for each respective program by December 1, 2019. Existing Voluntary Stewards who wish to cancel their VSA and not report in 2020 are reminded to notify the program(s) by December 1, 2019. See the Voluntary Steward Policy for more information.
Material Cost Differentiation (MCD) project update
The MCD project is completing its final measurement study and preparing to engage with stewards about the outcomes and implications of its work from the past two years. The primary objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive methodology for measuring how a material’s characteristics impact the cost of recycling system activities. Updates and background information on the MCD project are available here . 
Program Plan update
Recycle BC’s revised five-year Packaging and Paper Product Extended Producer Responsibility Plan was approved by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on June 28, 2019. The new Program Plan focuses on program performance and reporting enhancements, accessibility performance enhancements and special projects including the First Nations Recycling Initiative, greenhouse gas reporting and streetscape collection. Click here to download the new plan. 
One million tonnes
Recycle BC recently hit a notable milestone by recording one million collected tonnes since the it began operating as the province’s recycling program for residential packaging and paper five years ago. In that time, we’ve expanded our service area, depot network, and become an example of how full producer responsibility improves recycling systems. 
Hazardous waste P&E campaign
Several recycling collectors and processors in BC saw an increase in fires in 2019 due to a higher presence of hazardous material in residential recycling. To increase awareness of this danger, Recycle BC recently completed a hazardous waste campaign that launched in July, generating 135 articles on TV, radio and online media. Recycle BC now has dedicated resources on hazardous materials available year-round for the public, collectors and local governments: RecycleBC.ca/Hazardous .
Promotion and education videos
With increased awareness and questions among residents about end markets, Recycle BC developed a new “ What Happens to My Recycling? ” video that explains where collected material is sent for recycling and shares some helpful tips. Additionally, our newest video in partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC uses a humorous spin to reinforce the benefits of recycling plastic containers.
November’s Conference on Canadian Stewardship
Recycle BC is proud to be the conference partner of the 2019 Conference on Canadian Stewardship. This conference is an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and movements in EPR, as well as emerging programs and regulations. The event will take place from November 5 to 7, 2019, at Parq Vancouver. For more information and to register,  click here . 
Single-use plastics submission
Recycle BC has prepared a submission in response to recently issued paper by the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (MOECCS) proposing actions to address single use plastics in the environment. More information is available here .
New office address
A reminder that the MMSW office recently moved to:

401-333 3rd Ave. North
Saskatoon, SK 
S7K 2M2
Reminding residents to recycle right
MMSW launched an educational campaign in September to remind residents about the importance of proper recycling to reduce contamination. The campaign includes billboard, digital and radio ads across the province until mid-October. Ad templates were also made available for municipalities to customize and use for their own purposes.
Cost study continues
MMSW is conducting a cost study to continue the process of updating the collector payment model implemented in 2019 to better reflect Saskatchewan supply-chain expenses. Cost studies are significant undertakings that require multiple engagements and reviews. The current study will inform changes to the payment model for the 2021 program budget.
Carton Council Canada partnership develops school lessons
MMSM recently partnered with Carton Council Canada to develop two new lesson plans for Manitoba educators. The lesson plans help students discover the positive environmental impact they make by recycling cartons. Worksheets and activity extensions assist teachers in developing a whole unit on recycling. See them here on SimplyRecycle.ca.
Program promotes better recycling
MMSM continues its province-wide awareness campaign that encourages participation, increases knowledge of accepted materials and promotes reducing contamination. The campaign is reinforced with partnerships with the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Take Pride Winnipeg and many others. Staff attended several events throughout the summer engaging with residents and collected plastic bags for the Bag it Forward program with Winnipeg Harvest. 
MHSW Wind Up Plan submitted to RPRA
Phase Two consultations on MHSW Wind Up Plan proposals wrapped up in late August. Stewardship Ontario reviewed stakeholder feedback and submitted the plan to the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) by the September 30 deadline. Consultation materials and background information on MHSW Wind Up are available here .  
Blue Box begins transition to full producer responsibility
The transition of the Blue Box Program to full producer responsibility has been initiated by an August direction letter from the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The letter directs Stewardship Ontario to begin planning to make industry responsible for both the funding and operation of residential recycling in the province. Stewards will be updated as the transition planning proceeds. The direction letter can be found here . 
Reporting antifreeze and antifreeze containers
A reminder that antifreeze containers with a volume of 30 litres or less need to be included in quarterly reports. Along with reporting container volume in litres, the equivalent litres of antifreeze fluid need to be reported as concentrate or premix. The fluid amount should be at least equal to the antifreeze container amount.