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Waste

 

Landfilled Waste

Landfilled Waste

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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
Landfilled Waste
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 

The City has a 20-year plan to minimize the waste that is landfilled. It focuses on the “5Rs” hierarchy of waste management: reduce, reuse, recycle, resource recovery and residual waste management. The Plan will be updated based on the results of a year-long waste characterization study.

National Zero Waste Council

The City has made a commitment to eliminate waste from the landfill by joining the National Zero Waste Council.

Curbside Swap  

The City supports reuse in the community with Curbside Swap events.

Recovery Park

The City is in the process of re-imagining the landfill to include a wider range of options for materials to be reused and recycled.

What can you do?
Reduce the amount of packaging you bring home by buying bulk when possible and using reusable shopping bags.
Reuse items that still have a useful life by buying or selling items second hand, donating items to charity or taking part in a curbside swap.
Repair when possible rather than buying something new. 

Did You Know?

Saskatoon has one of the highest rates of residential garbage self-hauled to the landfill in Canada. 

 

Waste Diversion

Waste Diversion

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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?
The percentage of waste being diverted from the landfill has remained relatively stable over the past three years; however, improvement is needed to meet City Council’s 2023 target of 70%.
Data Table
Waste Diversion
  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?
Sign up for collection reminders for your black, blue and green carts.
Take advantage of City’s composting programs, including the compost depots and the subscription green cart program that now accepts food waste.
Call a Compost Coach for information on how to compost at home, or train to become a compost coach yourself. Each year the City trains 10-12 new volunteers that help others master the art of composting.
Check to see if something can be recycled before throwing it out by checking the City's Waste Wizard searchable database or the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council’s “Where do I recycle my…” page. Many common household items such as batteries, light bulbs, paint and electronics can be diverted from the landfill.

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

 

garbage

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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.
Waste

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.

Curbside Swap

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.

Green Cart Program

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..