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Landfilled Waste

    Status: Improving

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.  Please visit the Performance Dashboard for more info.

Where are we now?

The amount of waste each resident sends to the landfill is decreasing.

Data Table
Landfilled Waste
  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Residential Garbage Collection (kg/capita)* 340 323 308 284 269 265 252 242 239 226

*Note: single-family and multi-unit residential sources make up the majority of waste collected by City trucks; however, some commercial collections are combined with collections from multi-unit residential properties.

Source: City of Saskatoon – Sustainability and Water & Waste Operations Divisions 

What are we doing?

Waste Diversion Opportunities Report

The Waste Opportunities Report provides a potential roadmap for Saskatoon’s waste management programs and recommends a schedule of policies and initiatives that Council could adopt to achieve full implementation. Shortlisted items include modifying the approach to financing solid waste (waste as a utility); changes to the Waste Bylaw; modifying collection frequency; disposal ban(s); a material recycling facility at the landfill; city-wide organics program for residents; enhanced data management systems; and ongoing education and awareness. 
 

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.

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.