Residents and property managers shared many ideas on multi-unit waste management and diversion. Below is a short summary of what the City heard. Additional details can be found in Attachment 1. Attachment 3, Excerpts from the 2017 Waste Awareness & Behaviour Survey, provides additional context.

Organics

On average, 82% of residents that participated in the engagement indicated that they support an organics program. This is in line with the 81% support by multi-unit residents in the 2017 Waste Awareness & Behaviour Survey. Support from property managers was lower, with 53% supporting the program and 19% opposing. Residents and Property Managers were aligned on their top concerns and strategies for program uptake:

Top Concerns:

• Cleanliness (addressing pests and odours);
• Space limitations (for both in-unit collection and the communal bins); and
• Program cost.

Top Strategies for Program Uptake:

• Frequent collection and cleaning of bins/collection area;
• Provide kitchen catchers for all units; and
• Focus on education, including information packages for all residents.

Other frequent suggestions included allowing compostable/plastic bags, program flexibility for different building types, and a pilot program before full roll out.

In terms of the service approach for a new organics program, participants were unsure about whether a city-run program (i.e. city fleets and crews or contracted services) or a bylaw mandated program (such as a requirement for source separation with flexibility to choose a private hauler) would be more desirable.

Participants identified two main advantages of a city-run approach: less work for properties (especially condo boards) and greater city-wide consistency in program delivery and education. However, some were concerned that their property would be ineligible for collections but they would still be required to pay (based on their experience with garbage collections). The bylaw-mandated approach was seen as having advantages in cost, flexibility, reliability and customer service. Property management companies tended to be more interested in this approach than condo boards, though there was variability.

Garbage

Most participants were satisfied with the current frequency and capacity of garbage collections. Most were opposed to moving to a utility model for garbage collection and a large number were uncertain and unsure of the implications, which is consistent with the 2017 survey conducted by Insightrix Research.

Recycling

In terms of recycling, both residents and managers agreed that education and improving collection areas was a priority. 

We learned a lot from engagement regarding the opportunities and barriers around changes to multi-unit waste collection. Our focus is now on addressing concerns raised with current programs and designing a new multi-unit organics program. We look forward to sharing our recommendations with you in spring 2019.

Online Surveys 

Two online surveys were open from June 3 - 22, 2018. One was for residents of multi-unit buildings and the other for property managers that oversee the waste collections for their multi-unit building(s). 

Pop-Up Events 

Residents were invited to participate in a short activity to provide feedback and ideas. Pop-ups are come-and-go style events located at places where residents spend their time. 

Property Manager Workshops 

Two workshops were held on June 20 (6:30-8:30pm) and June 21 (2-4pm) for property managers that oversee the waste collections for their multi-unit building. 

Workshops provided property managers - including condo boards and building owners - a chance to share preferences and ideas for the design and delivery of a multi-unit organics collection program. 

Join our property managers mailing list to stay updated. This is a separate list from our main subscription link for residents (at top of page). 

What is a Multi-Unit Organics Program?

In an organics collection program, food waste and possibly yard waste is collected at all multi-unit buildings. Similar to the recycling program, residents would separate organic waste into a separate collection container in their unit and deposit it in a shared bin. The building’s property manager would oversee the collection. Collected material would then be processed into a valuable product.

The exact details of how the program will work will be designed with your input. Options are being considered for acceptable materials (food and/or yard waste), service model (whether the City provides the service or has a bylaw so that buildings can choose their own service provider), and the base service level (what kinds of collection containers should be use, where they are located and how often they are collected).   

40% of what multi-units throw out can be composted

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

What is the timeline?

In February 2018 City Council decided to explore opportunities for the diversion of organic waste from multi-unit buildings.

City Council expects a recommendation report in September 2018 following engagement with residents and stakeholders. Implementation of a new program would start in 2019 - 2020.  

What is the process for deciding on a multi-unit organics collection program?

In February 2018 City Council decided to explore opportunities for the diversion of organic waste from multi-unit buildings.

The first step in developing a program is to decide the service provider approach. There are two main options:

1. City-led: the City of Saskatoon provides or contracts organics collection and processing services (similar to recycling), or
2. Bylaw: create a bylaw that requires buildings to contract an organic collection service that meets a minimum standard.  

City Council expects a recommendation report in September 2018 following engagement with residents and stakeholders. Once the service provider approach is determined, additional program details can be developed. Depending on the decision this may include program costs and fees, minimum service levels, education programs, enforcement and timelines.

Implementation of a new program would start in 2019 - 2020. 

Review of Existing Services and New Opportunities

At the same time that the multi-unit organics program is being developed, we’re looking at other waste diversion and management opportunities. We’re interested in hearing how existing collections are working for your building and what other programs or services you are interested in.

The engagement results will directly inform a recommendations report to City Council planned for November 2018.  The recommendations will also consider previous decisions made by City Council, best practices in multi-unit waste management from other cities, and the local context.

The Landfill is Filling Up

At our current rate, our landfill will need replacing in the coming years at a cost of at least $125 million. Unless we develop a sustainable, long-term funding model while extending the life of the landfill, we will burden future generations.

This is a Solvable Problem. 61% of what multi-units send to the landfill doesn't need to be there.

With the right policies and resident participation rates, we can realize community benefits for Saskatoon. The average multi-unit household sets out 7.2kg of garbage each week, which equates to 375 kg per household each year. About 17 per cent of that could have been recycled, 40 percent is food and yard waste, and 4% include other divertable materials such as hazardous, electronic and construction waste.

We Need to Fix the Funding Model

Waste management funding relies on landfill revenues, utility fees and property taxes. Residents have been helping reduce waste and that is a good thing. By relying on tonnage-based revenues, a funding gap has formed. This puts proper management of waste at risk.