News and Updates | December 2022
Thank you and holiday hours
Thank you for your continued partnership and support during 2022 and our best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year. Please be advised that offices will be closed at 1 p.m. regional time on Friday, December 23 and Friday, December 30, and for the statutory holidays. The team will continue to work remotely and regular office hours will be maintained for the rest of the holiday period. 
2023 invoices and payments
Packaging and paper stewards will receive their 2023 invoices based on 2022 reports in early January. Invoice amounts up to $5,000 can be paid online by credit card. Stewards paying by mailed cheque are encouraged to move to electronic funds transfer (EFT). Questions about invoices or EFT can be directed to Accounts Receivable: accounting@circularmaterials.ca or 1-855-354-2772 ext. 117 or 145.
Annual Steward Meeting recap
Thank you to all stewards and stakeholders who attended the October 26 ASM to learn about 2023 budgets, fees and program updates. ASM materials -- including the Report to Stewards, presentation, cause of change graphs and Q&A -- can be found here.
Ready to Report webinars and resources
The annual reporting webinar for 2023 is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21. Invitations and registration will be sent after mid-January along with the launch of the 2023 Reporting Resources page on the Circular Materials website. A reminder that 2023 reports based on 2022 data are to be submitted by May 31.
WeRecycle Portal scheduled maintenance
The WeRecycle Portal will be undergoing regular maintenance and will be unavailable between December 19, 2022, and January 3, 2023. During this period, billing inquiries can be directed to accounting@circularmaterials.ca and for general assistance please contact National Steward Services: stewards@circularmaterials.ca or 1-888-980-9549. Reporting and self-serve options will be available again on January 4.  
Program Plan consultation
Recycle BC has hosted in-person and virtual consultation sessions to receive feedback on its draft Program Plan. The Program Plan outlines objectives, commitments and performance targets and is renewed every five years. Written feedback and comments can be submitted to consultation@recyclebc.ca until December 31, 2022.
Addition of single-use and packaging-like products
As of January 1, 2023, designated single-use products and packaging-like products will be accepted from residents for recycling following amendments to the province’s Recycling Regulation. Stewards began reporting these items in 2022 to pay the associated fees in 2023. A resident education campaign and various collector resources will support the change.
Education campaigns
Recycle BC continues to educate and engage residents to support good recycling habits. The fall campaign encouraged residents to Recycle Right to make an impact, and in December the focus shifts to holiday recycling. 
Collector payment rate increase
As detailed in its 2023 budget, MMSW is implementing new collector payment rates effective January 1. The new rates are the result of a cost study conducted in Q1 2022. The program plan requires cost studies be conducted every two to three years to regularly update municipal data and fund up to 75% of the net cost to operate the system.
Fall resident campaign
A fall campaign informed Saskatchewan residents about the achievements of the MMSW recycling program. Along with highlighting the program’s accomplishments, the campaign provided a strong reminder that recycling is everyone’s responsibility. 
2023 fee rates approved
The MMSM Board of Directors have approved the 2023 fee rates published in the Report to Stewards prior to the Annual Steward Meeting in October.
P&E campaigns
MMSM currently has campaigns in market educating residents on what to do with seasonal items and reminding them not to put plastic bags in their curbside recycling bins. The campaigns include a mix of digital, print, radio, and social media ads. 
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