Online Survey

The online survey was conducted between February 12 and March 4, 2018.  

Pop Up Events

Pop ups were come-and-go style events located at places where residents spend their time. Residents were invited to participate in a 5-10 minute activity facilitated by City staff to identify their priorities and preferences for the redesign of curbside waste collection. A series of pop up events were held between February 13 and March 1, 2018 at the following times and locations:

• February 13: Shaw Centre 4:00 – 7:00pm
• February 15: Alice Turner Library 10:00am – 1:00pm
• February 17: Lawson Heights Mall 11:00am – 2:00pm
• February 22: The Centre Mall 1:00 – 7:00pm
• February 24: Saskatoon Farmers' Market 8:00am – 12:00pm
• March 1: St. Martin's United Church 12:30 – 3:30pm and 6:30 – 9:00pm

Community Workshops

Two community workshops were held on March 1 at St. Martin’s United Church located at 2617 Clarence Avenue South on the corner of Wilson Crescent and Clarence Avenue South. Workshops provided an opportunity for residents with curbside collection to dig deeper into the priorities, preferences, and any barriers that will be considered in a redesigned curbside waste collection system.

• Afternoon Workshop: March 1st, 1 – 3pm at St. Martin’s United Church
• Evening Workshop: March 1st, 7 – 9pm at St. Martin’s United Church

Accessible Waste Collection Workshop

A workshop focused on addressing accessibility considerations related to curbside collection took place on March 6th from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Saskatoon Field House. This workshop was open to stakeholders and organizations that serve or represent older adults and/or other residents who are challenged by the task of managing a waste cart.

Sensemaking Saturday

In April, a group of residents were be randomly selected from those who participated in engagement activities and invited to discuss engagement findings and get a sneak peek of draft recommendations for organics, recycling, and the waste utiliity. Only those that participated in the online survey, pop-up events, or workshops and opted-in by providing their contact information were eligible for random selection.

What is a Pay-as-You-Throw (PAYT) Utility?

PAYT is a practice where residents are charged for the amount they throw away on their utility bill (just like water or power). These charges will be based on cart size or frequency, not weight.

PAYT solves multiple problems

By transferring the cost of waste management from property taxes to actual usage fees as a utility (based on the size of cart or frequency, not weight), we will create a system which rewards recycling and composting:

• This will help us produce less garbage
• Residents will have more control making it more equitable
• Costs will be visible and more sustainable

The Pay-as-you-throw Fact Sheet is available with more information.

What is City-Wide Organics?

Under a city-wide mandatory organics program, food is collected at the curb for all households. Collected material is processed into a valuable product. Food scraps, yard waste and soiled paper would all be included. Pet waste and diapers could also be considered.

Win big with mandatory organics

By removing organic material from the landfill, we can reduce the effects of harmful leachate (liquid from garbage) and greenhouse gas emissions that are released when organics are buried in the landfill. Organics that are processed properly (such as through composting) can be turned into a valuable product or even generate electricity.

The Organics Fact Sheet is available with more information.