Organics Processing Facility Project
The City of Saskatoon (City) is building an organics processing facility near the existing City landfill and within Saskatoon city limits.
This facility will provide organics processing for the city-wide green cart program, as well as a location for public yard waste drop-off, eventually replacing the City’s Compost Depot.
Facility Location
The proposed site is located 400 metres from the existing landfill at 42 Valley Road, down the road from the Material Recovery Centre. The site meets all required distance guidelines from residential areas.
Map
About the Facility
- The facility will use an aerated static pile method – a method for breaking down organic waste into compost without turning the pile by hand. It is a simple and cost-efficient way to compost large volumes of organic waste, producing compost in as little as three months.
- Both the receiving hall (where organic waste is delivered) and composting pad (where it is processed) will have special systems to reduce smells.
- The site will include surface and groundwater protection, with regular monitoring to ensure safety.
The City will be investing significantly in odour management measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the facility open?
Construction will begin July, 2025. The facility is expected to be operational in the summer of 2026.
How often will the facility operate? Will it run 24/7?
The nature of the composting process will require the facility to have fans operating on a 24/7 basis, to ensure that the composting conditions are aerobic. The facility is expected to receive material from 8 am to 4:45 and that is the majority of the time that mobile equipment will be in operation.
What type of materials will be processed at the facility?
Materials from the curbside organics program will be processed at the facility. Materials currently accepted at the west compost depot will also be processed at the facility, and these materials mainly consist of leaves, grass, branches and tree stumps.
Why was this location chosen for the facility?
The location is very close to our landfill and will gain efficiencies by having the organics processing facility in the same proximity.
Will there be increased traffic in the area from trucks transporting materials?
There will be increased traffic on Valley Road and the access road to the landfill. No other significant traffic is anticipated in the area.
Will the facility create noise pollution?
No significant noise pollution is anticipated at the site. Material shredding will occur indoors. Mobile equipment used outside will be loaders and a screener, and both are not anticipated to be a major source of noise.
What measures will be taken to control odours from the facility?
There are several factors that will control odour from the facility.
- The receiving hall will be enclosed and have a negative ventilation system. This means that air will be pulled into the facility when the doors open and not allow odours to escape. The material being received is from the green bin and can be odourous, especially in the summer months. The ventilation system air will be treated by a biofilter which greatly reduces odours from the building
- Composting methodology - The system will be able to use a negative aeration system, meaning that air will be pulled through the compost. The air will be treated by a biofilter that will reduce odours.
- Composting mix- we will be monitoring the compost mix. Creating the ideal conditions for compost will reduce odours
Site housekeeping - the site will be kept clean and maintained, reducing the potential for odours.
Will I be able to pick up compost?
Compost will be available for pickup.
Will I be able to drop off yard waste?
Yes. Residents will be able to drop off excess yard waste for free.
Will I still be able to use the City’s compost depots?
The West Compost Depot will close as a result of this operation. The East Compost Depot closed permanently in 2024.