Waste Utility Rates
Monthly Waste Utility Fees:
What you pay for waste (Black Cart, Blue Cart and Green Cart) is shown on your utility bill as monthly fees:
| Residential Programs | 2024 Monthly Fees | 2025 Monthly Fees |
| Recycling (Blue Cart) | $7.47 | $7.47 |
| Organics (Green Cart)* | $7.29 | $7.78 |
| Garbage (Black Cart) | $9.92 per month, January to June 2024 | small (120 L) cart - $3.83; medium (240L) cart - $7.23; large (360L) cart - $10.84 |
| For an additional large garbage cart, the monthly fee is approximately $15.89 per month. |
*Note: The monthly utility fees are calculated using a daily rate, so the amount on your bill will vary depending on the number of days in the month.
Cart swaps
If you would like to change your black cart size, you can request a cart size change through My Utility Account or calling a Corporate Revenue Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400. A more detailed look at the cart sizes is included here. There is a $30 cart swap fee for changing cart size.
If you live in a complex with that holds a single utility account with the City, please work with your property manager and/or condo board to complete cart swap requests.
For additional program information, check Curbside Recycling (Blue Cart), Curbside Organics (Green Cart), Curbside Garbage (Black Cart).
Multi-Unit Recycling Rates
For multi-unit residential properties where the ratio of the number of dwelling units is five or more, the following recycling rates in the Multi-Residential Recycling Program apply.
| Multi-Unit Programs | 2024 Monthly User Fees | 2025 Monthly User Fees |
| Recycling (Blue Cart) | $4.10 | $4.22 |
| Total Monthly Fee | $4.10 | $4.22 |
For more detailed information, review No. 9844, The Waste Bylaw, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
How are waste programs paid for?
Black, blue and green cart programs are fully funded through program fees paid on your utility bill. No property taxes are used for these services.
The program fees are calculated separately for each cart program based on the costs associated with collection and processing. The costs for each program vary seasonally but this is averaged out over the year to keep the fee consistent from month to month.
Your monthly black cart fee covers:
• Collection of waste from your home and container management
• Providing carts and cart maintenance
• Sorting, processing and disposing/recycling of material
• Education, bylaw and program support
How have program fees changed over the years?
On September 26, 2022 City Council approved the recommendation by the Administration to implement Option 1: A variable cart utility including three cart options for the black cart garbage utility, with implementation funded through borrowing against the future utility.
On November 21, 2022, City Council approved the recommendation by the Administration to implement a low-income subsidy ($100.00) for the waste utility, starting in fiscal year 2024.
On September 27, 2023 City Council approved details on black cart size options, timelines and proposed rates for the garbage utility in 2024.
Admin Report & Attachments
Variable Black Cart Utility Model Options
2024 Curbside Garbage Utility Implementation and Proposed Rates
Considerations and Options for Supporting Low-Income Households
How will you support low-income households with this transition?
A transitional subsidy of $100 annually is now available to help minimize the financial impact on low-income households. This subsidy is available to eligible low-income households who have a City utility account in their name. For more details or to apply, visit saskatoon.ca/wastesubsidy.
The Waste Utility Subsidy will be available until the implementation of a broader Universal Low Income Subsidy program planned for approximately 2027.
What if I live in a townhouse or condo that holds a single utility account?
If you live in a townhouse or condo complex that holds a single utility account with the City, cart swap requests will be submitted as a group. Work with your condo board or property manager to determine which cart sizes will fit your needs.
Will multi-unit properties be included in the garbage utility?
Residents who use metal or communal garbage and recycling container(s) (typically those living in condos and apartments) are not affected by the utility changes. Operations of the multi-unit garbage program remain funded through property taxes in 2025. It includes weekly garbage collection and the metal garbage bin grant. A program implementation plan for city-wide multi-unit organics diversion is coming in late 2025. As part of this work, a review of multi-unit garbage services (including funding model and service type) will also take place.
Will commercial businesses be included in the garbage utility?
No, commercial businesses are required to privately manage their own waste. The City of Saskatoon provided commercial garbage collected to external commercial customers through a fee for service model at rates outlined in the Waste Bylaw. Commercial businesses will benefit from the removal of curbside garbage collection from property taxes.
Home based businesses receiving residential waste collection will be transitioned to the garbage utility. Home-based businesses are responsible for managing any excess waste generated because of their business and may choose to obtain second cart at the higher rate to collect excess waste.