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.