Curbside Waste Composition
Status: Needs Improving
Much of what we send to landfills isn't garbage. We are throwing away food scraps and yard waste, which can be composted, or materials that can be easily recycled in your blue cart. Knowing detailed information about the items thrown in the garbage helps the City create targeted communications material and informs the development of new diversion opportunities.
Where are we now?
The City conducts waste characterization studies every few years with the most recent studies occurring in 2016, 2019, and 2023. All studies found that the "garbage" consisted largely of materials that can be diverted away from the landfill. In 2023, 11% of the waste placed in the garbage was recyclable, and 34% was food and yard waste that could be composted. These amounts are in addition to the 42% of materials already being diverted through existing programs.
Source: Tetra Tech, 2023 to 2025 City-Wide Waste Characterization Study. 2023 Annual Report
Data Table (2023)
| Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| yard waste | 6 |
| food waste | 28 |
| recyclables | 11 |
| construction and demolition | 8 |
| compostable paper | 7 |
| electronics or "e-waste" | 2 |
| household hazardous waste | 1 |
| garbage | 37 |
Source: Tetra Tech, 2023 to 2025 City-Wide Waste Characterization Study. 2023 Annual Report
Data Tables (2016, 2019, 2023)
| Type | 2016 | 2019 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| yard waste | 31% | 28% | 6% |
| food waste | 27% | 25% | 28% |
| recyclables | 7% | 8% | 11% |
| construction and demolition | 7% | 6% | 8% |
| compostable paper | 3% | 4% | 7% |
| electronics or "e-waste" | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| household hazardous waste | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| garbage | 24% | 27% | 37% |
Sources: Dillon Consulting, City of Saskatoon: Waste Diversion Opportunities Report; AET Group Inc., 2019 City of Saskatoon Waste Characterization Study; Tetra Tech, 2023 to 2025 City-Wide Waste Characterization Study. 2023 Annual Report
Did You Know?
Saskatoon homes and businesses send approximately 78,000 tonnes of food and yard waste to landfills each year. Properly handled in composting facilities or home compost systems, much of this material can be turned into a valuable soil amendment that improves fertility, soil structure, and water-holding capacity.