What you need to know about new rules and fines for Regina's blue recycling bins, starting July 1

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a day ago

The City of Regina is reminding residents that changes to what's allowed in their blue bins come into effect Tuesday, accompanied by fines for non-compliance with the updated list of recyclables.
Here are some details about the new rules for Regina's curbside recycling carts, beginning July 1:
Disposable coffee cups (recycle lid, cup and sleeve separately)
Ice cream cartons and frozen dessert boxes
Plastic dental floss containers
Plastic tape dispensers
Single-use coffee pods (empty and rinse)
Paper plates and food containers
Gift bags (remove handles)
Glass containers and jars (now accepted at SARCAN)
Foam packaging and flexible plastics such as chip bags, plastic bags and wrap, bread bags, and frozen food bags (accepted at SARCAN)
Green Nespresso pod recycling bags
The city's latest contract has been awarded to SK Recycles, a non-profit organization that already manages Saskatchewan's recycling program under the province's legislation.
Council approved the new agreement in late February after revealing that its contract with Emterra Environmental was set to expire at the end of June 2025. The city stated at the time that its new deal would cut approximately $1.6 million in annual costs while the savings are to be passed on to residents through adjusted user fees in 2026.
Although some requirements are changing as a result of the move, the city continues to handle curbside collection and cart maintenance, so pick-up schedules are to remain the same.
'This is an exciting milestone, and we're proud to be partnering with one of the province's largest and most dynamic cities in our shared mission to build a cleaner, more sustainable future,' said Kelly Goyer, director of field services with SK Recycles.
Goyer said the city's collected recyclables will still be processed in Regina.
The new program — previously meant to begin on June 1 — was delayed because both parties were finalizing the processing handover to align with the end of the city's old contract and the beginning of SK Recycle's new one.
The city says new sorting guides will be mailed to residents soon, outlining the updated list of accepted materials in city-provided blue, green and brown bins.
A list is also to be available on the city's website while other outreach initiatives, including a social media campaign, are expected to take place this summer.
Council altered the city's bylaw to add fines for those who don't follow the list of acceptable materials.
Repeat offenders beware: Fines start at $150 for a first violation and go up to $250 for a third infraction.
To monitor how well people are following the new rules, Janet Aird, manager of program and delivery at the City of Regina, said two recycling trucks will be fitted with AI technology to scan what's in people's bins as they're picked up.
Those with unapproved items in their carts are to be sent a reminder postcard before penalties are imposed.
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