Multi-Unit Organics: Pilot Study
Welcome to the Multi-Unit Organics Pilot
Why do we need an organics program?
More than half of what we throw in the garbage can be diverted.
Food and yard waste that goes to the landfill does not become soil. Landfills bury waste without oxygen, so when it is broken down, it turns into leachate (garbage juice) and methane. Leachate pollutes our land and water, and methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that can escape into the atmosphere. Leachate and methane are expensive for the City to manage.
By diverting organic waste away from the landfill, we can delay or even avoid the expense of building a second landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce environmental pollution.
We can be Greener Together! Greener Together is a call to action: for Saskatoon residents and Saskatoon organizations to make sustainable choices that create a healthy, resilient, and inclusive community today and always.
Thank you for your support with the survey that went out in August 2024. We received 144 responses. The pilot will continue until the end of 2025 but initial findings will go to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services (EUCS).
A link to the report and agenda for February 4th can be found here:
Pilot & Participants
The City of Saskatoon is conducting a pilot study for organics diversion at a limited number of multi-unit residential properties. The pilot study launched in 2024 and will run until the end of 2025. The pilot study will be used to help shape a future multi-unit organics program for the entire city. A pilot study offers an opportunity for meaningful engagement with residents and key stakeholders.
The City has selected an area that has a mix of different types of multi-unit properties. By focusing on one area, the City can keep collection costs lower and easily monitor the pilot properties. Complexes in Lawson Heights Suburban Centre, Lawson Heights, River Heights, and Silverwood Heights are participating in the pilot.
The information on this page is intended for pilot participants.
How will the City divert organics from the landfill?
Each pilot property will have an organics container (large green cart or a cube container). These containers will be collected regularly and processed at a commercial organics facility.
How do I get started?
- Get a small container or kitchen pail.
- Line it with newspaper or a BPI-certified compostable bag or leave it unlined.
- Scrape your plate! Place all food and garden waste in the pail.
- Empty into your building’s shared green bin when full.
Acceptable Material
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(yogurt, butter and cheese) | 
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Unacceptable Material
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often will our green bin be collected?
Collection frequency will vary based on the specific service plan for each property participating in the pilot study. Schedules will be designed based on container type and number of units. This information will be communicated to each property.
Will there be additional cost for this program?
No, the City will be hiring a third party to provide a container, collect organic material, and process the material. These costs will be covered by the City for the duration of the pilot study.
Will there be a city-wide multi-unit organics program?
Yes, this pilot study will be used to help develop a future organics program for all multi-unit residential properties. A recommendation will be made to City Council at the end of 2024.
How do I get a kitchen pail for use in my home?
Each property has a key contact that the City will be working with. Kitchen pails will be distributed through this contact. The kitchen pail will include a sample of BPI compostable bags and a postcard with further details.
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.
How can I reduce odours and insects?
- Collect food waste in your provided kitchen pail or a small container with a lid. Store it inside a cupboard or underneath your sink. Ensure the lid is fully closed.
- Line your container with BPI-certified compostable or a paper liner, or simply wrap food in a newspaper or napkin to reduce moisture. Please do not use waxed, plastic, plastic-lined, or any non-certified BPI compostable or biodegradable bags.
- Drain excess liquids, excluding cooking oil, from your food waste before placing in the container.
- Empty the contents of your kitchen pail or container into your organics bin as frequently as necessary.
- Rinse your kitchen pail or container after emptying it into your organics bin.
- Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your kitchen pail or container to reduce odours and deter insects.
- Catch fruit flies in a bowl of vinegar covered with plastic wrap, pricked with a few holes.
- Empty more frequently in the warmer months.
How do I know what I can put in the organics container?
The organics container can accept all food waste and most yard waste. If you still need sorting help, ask the Saskatoon Waste Wizard.
What if I already use my garburator / garbage disposal for food scraps?
Garburator/garbage disposal are not effective ways for waste diversion as this process simply displaces the waste by having it go through the wastewater treatment process, which has adverse effects on the system itself. Any materials sent through this system are either screened and landfilled or mixed with biosolids to create a lower-quality soil amendment product than what is possible with direct organics processing through the green cart program. In addition, garburators use lots of water which costs residents money and disposal of fats, oils and greases (FOGs) in the sewers leads to higher maintenance requirements.
What if I don’t want to participate?
Residents are encouraged to participate in the pilot so they can provide valuable feedback. The program is optional, and if participating in the pilot is too challenging, there are no consequences for those residents that choose not to use the green bin. This pilot study also aims to determine what barriers exist towards participation. We encourage residents to fill out the surveys and provide their feedback, even if they choose not to participate.
Waste management and diversion are community-wide issues, which require community-wide solutions. We need residents, businesses, and organizations to recycle and compost. Universal participation in diversion programs reduces waste going to landfill and moves us toward our goal of 70% waste diversion.