Total Waste Disposal and Diversion
Status: Needs improvement
The most environmentally friendly and cost effective way to manage waste is to eliminate it through reduction or reuse. Please visit the Performance Dashboard for more info.
Where are we now?
Although the total amount of waste handled in 2020 was higher than recent years, the amount of waste diverted increased contributing to the City's overall waste diversion rate of 26%.
Data table
| Year | Waste Diverted | Waste Disposed (Buried) | Total (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 24,782 | 140,440 | 165,222 |
| 2010 | 34,833 | 143,241 | 178,073 |
| 2011 | 28,557 | 136,735 | 165,292 |
| 2012 | 26,520 | 117,523 | 144,043 |
| 2013 | 34,533 | 117,759 | 152,292 |
| 2014 | 36,338 | 124,343 | 160,680 |
| 2015 | 29,731 | 110,945 | 140,676 |
| 2016 | 27,785 | 99,811 | 127,596 |
| 2017 | 27,903 | 94,772 | 122,675 |
| 2018 | 28,401 | 96,185 | 124,585 |
| 2019 | 30,230 | 94,067 | 124,297 |
| 2020 | 33,002 | 93,894 | 126,896 |
Source: City of Saskatoon Integrated Waste Management Annual Reports
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.
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.