Multi-Unit Waste
Multi-Unit Waste
Waste services for multi-unit properties are evolving. Over the next few years, several changes will make it easier for residents to divert waste from the landfill and bring multi-unit properties more in line with services available to single-family homes.
Here’s what’s coming for multi-unit properties:
- Garbage is shifting to a utility-funded model
- A new multi-unit organics program will launch
- Recycling will transition to SK Recycles
Garbage: Moving to a waste utility
As approved by Council on August 26, 2026, the funding model for multi-unit garbage collection will shift from property tax funding to a utility-based funding model. This change will align multi-unit properties with the City’s curbside collection program, which shifted to a utility-funded model for garbage in 2024.
What’s changing: The new funding model for the garbage utility will take effect January 2028. Estimated utility rates were included in the report above. Final rates, however, will be set during budget deliberations in November 2028.
Organics: A new service is coming
A city-wide multi-unit organics program is being developed to give residents living in apartments, condos and other multi-unit properties access to organics collection.
The program will collect food waste and other accepted organic materials separately from garbage, helping divert more waste from the landfill.
The rollout is expected to begin in fall 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028. Before a property joins the program, the City will contact property owners and managers to complete a site assessment and determine the appropriate number and location of green carts.
What to expect: More information and resources will be provided to property owners, managers and residents before the program begins.
The estimated average monthly rate per dwelling unit of $2.79, was presented in the Multi-Unit Organics Program – Estimated 2027 Rates report. Final rates will be presented to City Council for approval at budget in November 2026.
The organics will be composted at the City’s Organics Processing Facility.
Recycling: Moving to SK Recycles
Recycling services are also changing. Starting in January 2028, SK Recycles will deliver both curbside and multi-unit residential recycling programs in Saskatoon. Under an Extended Producer Responsibility model, SK Recycles is responsible for collecting, sorting, processing, and recycling of materials.
Until then, the City's existing multi-unit recycling program will continue.
What to expect: The SK Recycles program is still being developed. The City will share more information about the new recycling program, including what materials are accepted and how collection will work, as details become available.
The transition of recycling will result in the elimination of the recycling utility which will save $4.22 monthly per dwellingunit
What does this mean for multi-unit properties?
Several changes to waste services for multi-unit properties are being introduced together as part of a coordinated rollout.
The City is providing building managers, property managers, and condo boards with advance notice of upcoming changes to help with planning and budgeting. As each program moves forward, the City will provide information about what to expect and what, if anything, property owners and managers need to do.
Ahead of the multi-unit organics rollout, the City will work directly with condo boards and property managers to understand each property's needs and determine the appropriate number and placement of green carts.
Service for recycling and garbage collections are not expected to change.
In the meantime, continue using your existing garbage and recycling services and follow current sorting guidelines.