Upcoming Multi-Unit Organics Program
City Council has approved the creation of a city-wide Multi-Unit Organics program. The City will be the service provider for the new program. Organic material gathered through the program will be handled at the City’s organic processing facility.
The recommendation for this program stems from a yearlong pilot study that explored the most effective ways to provide organics diversion to multi-unit residential properties including apartments, condos and townhouse complexes.
A project schedule has been developed that would see the multi-unit organics program start rollout as early as Fall of 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028. The timeline is intended to provide adequate lead time for property managers and condo boards to notify residents and account for this service in their budgets. Further budget details will be available later in 2026 with finalized rates in November 2026. The City will be reaching out directly to property managers once a deployment plan is finalized.
A link to the report and agenda for November 4, 2025 can be found here: Multi-Unit Organics: Implementation Plan Update.
What research did the City complete to design this program?
The City conducted a pilot study for organics diversion at a limited number of multi-unit residential properties starting in 2024. Pilot study participants will continue to receive organics service until a city-wide program rolls out. The pilot study offered an opportunity for meaningful engagement with residents and key stakeholders, and was used to help shape a future multi-unit organics program for the entire city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Multi-Unit Organics Program?
The City of Saskatoon is launching a new program to help apartments, condos and townhouse complexes divert organic waste, including food scraps and yard trimmings. This aligns with the existing curbside Green Cart Program and extends the service level to multi-unit residents.
Why is this program being introduced?
More than 30% of what we throw out can be composted. The program aims to:
- Reduce waste sent to the landfill
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Create compost for soil improvement
- Provide fair and consistent waste services for everyone
What type of container will be used and how many will be allocated per property?
Medium 240L green carts, with 1 cart being allocated per 30 units. (e.g. if your building has 60 units, you will receive 2 x 240L carts)
How frequent will collection be?
Collection will be weekly.
What if I don’t need a kitchen pail?
If you have your own container for kitchen scraps or if you don’t plan on using your kitchen pail, please speak with your property contact and a member from the City will arrange to take it back.
Who pays for the service?
Organics services will be charged on the utility bill, paid by the account holder. A monthly fee will apply to each unit.
How much will it cost?
The estimated average monthly utility fee is $2.79 per unit. The final rates will be presented to City Council for approval at budget in November 2026.
When does the program start?
The rollout begins in Fall 2027 and will finish by the end of 2028.
Prior to the launch of the program, the City will reach out to complete a site assessment to determine the number of green carts and storage location(s) on site.
Green cart delivery will be carried out by City crews. Upon receiving the green cart, organics waste collection will begin and utility billing will start.
A detailed implementation plan will be provided later this year.
Where will the organic waste go?
Organic waste will be sent to the future City-owned organics processing facility, which is currently under construction. Learn more about the facility here.