Disposal of Bulk Oil and Filters
Res #: 11-20A
Number: 11
Year: 2020
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
WHEREAS the costs associated with the disposal of large quantities of used oil and filters has increased as a result of carbon tax and environmental surcharges charged by the collectors, resulting in large quantities of oil and filters being stockpiled within yard sites, or illegally dumped on municipal road allowances;
WHEREAS application for a municipality to upgrade an existing storage facility in accordance with The Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Regulations can be punitively expensive and onerous;
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial and federal government to provide assistance to municipalities wishing to accommodate their ratepayers with the responsible disposal of used oil and filters.
Responses From: The Ministry of Environment
August 10, 2020
Since 1996, the Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corp. (SARRC), a not-for profit industry-led organization, has operated the used oil and antifreeze program in Saskatchewan on behalf of the businesses that sell the products. Since its inception, the program has provided reasonable access to communities across the province, even as populations have shifted. The program currently offers 37 EcoCentres and nearly 150 drop off points across the province. SARRC monitors conditions for collectors and processors to ensure recycling services are provided, irrespective of fluctuating commodity prices.
Funding for the program is provided through environmental handling fees (EHFs) charged at the point of sale on products. EHFs are used to cover the costs for recycling, including providing return and processing incentives to collectors and processors.
In 2018, the program recycled over 18 million litres of used oil and almost two million oil filters. The Ministry of Environment has regulatory oversight of the program, including permitting under The Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Regulations, and will continue to work with the program operator to improve the program to meet the needs of Saskatchewan. Any information about illegal dumping should be reported to the Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1 (800) 667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages). Reports may also be made online at saskatchewan.ca/tip. Calls are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dustin Duncan – Minister of Environment
