Waste
Landfilled Waste
Status: Improving
Why is it important?
As our population grows the amount of waste we are generating increases and changes. The current landfill has a lifespan of 40 years and the construction of a new landfill would be costly.
Reducing the waste that is landfilled is a priority in the Strategic Plan.
Where are we now?
The amount of waste each resident sends to the landfill is decreasing.
Data Table
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Garbage Collection (kg/capita) | 340 | 323 | 308 | 284 | 269 | 265 | 252 | 242 |
Source: City of Saskatoon – Environmental & Corporate Initiatives and Public Works
What are we doing?
Saskatoon Waste and Recycling Plan
National Zero Waste Council
Curbside Swap
Recovery Park
What can you do?
Did You Know?
Saskatoon has one of the highest rates of residential garbage self-hauled to the landfill in Canada.
Waste Diversion
Status: Stable
Why is it important?
The amount of material diverted from the landfill can reduce environmental impacts and extend the operating life of the current landfill.
The diversion rate is a success indicator in the Strategic Plan.
Where are we now?
Data Table
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diversion Rate % | 15 | 19.6 | 17.3 | 18.4 | 22.7 | 22.5 | 21.0 | |
| Target | 70 |
Source: City of Saskatoon – Environmental & Corporate Initiatives and Public Works
What are we doing?
Residential Recycling
Every resident in Saskatoon can now recycle at home with the curbside recycling program and the multi-unit residential recycling program. The City’s four Recycle Depots are also available for extra or oversized recycling.
Household Hazardous Waste Days
The City hosts a series of events that offers residents a way to safely dispose of household items that are dangerous for waste collectors and can harm the environment.
Composting Programs
The City offers a number of ways for residents to compost, including two compost depots with free drop off, a subscription Green Cart collection program, and a Home Composting Education Program.
What can you do?
Did You Know?
In 2015 29,623 tonnes of materials were diverted through the City’s recycling and compost programs.
Total Waste Disposal and Diversion
Status: Improving
Why is it important?
The most environmentally friendly and cost effective way to manage waste is to eliminate it through reduction or reuse.
Where are we now?
The total amount of waste accepted by both the City’s diversion and disposal programs was lower in 2015 than 2014.
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
|
Waste Diverted |
24,782 |
34,833 |
28,557 |
26,520 |
34,533 |
36,338 |
29,623 |
|
Waste Disposed |
140,440 |
143,241 |
136,735 |
117,523 |
117,759 |
125,238 |
111,507 |
|
Total |
165,222 |
178,073 |
165,292 |
144,043 |
152,292 |
161,575 |
141,130 |
|
Source: Integrated Waste Management Annual Report, 2015. |
|||||||
What are we doing?
Home Composting Education Program
Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste (such as food scraps, grass clippings, and dried leaves) into a rich soil amendment that your lawn and garden will love!
Have a composting question? Simply dial (306) 931-3249 or email compost@saskwastereduction.ca. Please allow 1 business day for one of our Compost Coaches to respond to your inquiry.
The City supports reuse in the community with Curbside Swap events.
What can you do?
When making a purchase, consider the packaging, how easy a product is to repair, and what disposal options are available.
Find out what your composting style is by taking an online quiz. Compost coaches are available for a home visit if you have questions, need help setting up your home compost system or are troubleshooting an issue.
Donate lightly used items to charities. Charity bins for Canadian Diabetes Association, Community Living, and The Salvation Army are located at three of four City-run recycle depots as well as other locations throughout the city.
NEW in 2016: food waste is accepted with yard waste in the Green Cart program.
Did You Know?
Yard and food waste make up over 40% of the waste from an average home. Composting these materials diverts waste from the landfill and reduces greenhouse gas emissions..