Background

Saskatoon (pop. 261,000) is the largest city in the central Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Known by some as “The Paris of the Prairies” due to its charm and natural beauty, Saskatoon continues to experience surging, multicultural growth. Its recycling program, Saskatoon Recycles, utilizes blue carts or bins for biweekly single-stream collection. The city estimates that everyday recycling by its residents can save up to $90 million in local landfilling fees.

Materials recycled

Paper Newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, loose paper, junk mail, paperboard, milk/juice cartons and corrugated cardboard are accepted. Plastics Plastic containers numbered 1 through 7 are accepted. Metals Aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, clean aluminum foil and clean aluminum trays and pans are accepted. Glass Glass bottles and containers (all colors; rinsed) are acceptable.

Frequency

Saskatoon recycles at the curb on a biweekly basis. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and should be spaced 4 feet from other carts or obstructions. A collection day lookup tool is available online.

Other programs

Household hazardous waste is collected at monthly events at the Credit Union Centre, 3515 Thatcher Ave. Residents are permitted to drop off the following items: solvents and thinners, partially full aerosol cans, antifreeze, batteries (household and automotive), bleach, household cleaners, fertilizers, gasoline, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, prescription drugs, motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, pool chemicals, propane tanks and helium tanks. Check the city website for the next collection date. Leftover paint or old paint cans can be dropped off at SARCAN locations in and around Saskatoon. A complete list of locations can be found here. To safely recycle needles and sharps, please call 306.655.4444. Yard waste is collected from May until November with the voluntary green cart program. The program collects yard waste at the curb once a month during the collection season. More information on the program can be found online. Christmas trees are recycled at temporary drop-off locations from December 26 to January 31 every year. This season’s information is on the city’s website.

More information

Visit the Saskatoon Recycles website for more recycling program info.