Elm wood, hunting scraps and waste fines are being discussed at Tuesday’s environment, utilities and corporate services committee meeting.
On Tuesday, the city’s environment, utilities and corporate services committee is meeting to consider several changes that could affect waste and recycling services for businesses and residents in Saskatoon. Here are some of the main items up for discussion …
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FINES FOR USING UNAUTHORIZED BINS
According to a report going to committee, there were more than 65 reports in 2024 of residents or businesses using waste containers that weren’t theirs — and that trend is growing.
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City administration says there currently is not a penalty for unauthorized use of a waste container, but introducing a fine would help discourage that behaviour.
The report adds that these incidents may increase with the introduction of variable cart sizes.
A notice of violation would be issued, but no exact fines are listed in the report.
HUNTING REFUSE TO GO TO LANDFILL
There are concerns around green cart material processing when it comes to animals like deer, elk, moose and caribou, according to a report to committee.
It says there is inconclusive evidence that chronic wasting disease is destroyed through the composting process, and that testing isn’t mandatory.
City administration says recreational hunting and home butchering are common activities in Saskatoon, and any leftovers from the listed animals should either be disposed of in a landfill or government-approved disposal site.
The recommendation from city administration is to add cervid products to items not permitted in the green carts.
ELM WOOD DISPOSAL FEES
In 2024, fees for disposing of elm wood at the landfill were waived, and a report to committee is recommending that cost continue to be waived.
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The report says the fees waived in 2024 helped reduce barriers for proper elm wood disposal and helped reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease.
City administration says Dutch elm disease poses a serious risk to Saskatoon’s urban forest, which is roughly one-quarter elm trees.
Provincial regulation prohibits the storage or use of elm wood. According to the city, despite those rules 12,724 kilograms of elm wood were retrieved by Parks Department staff in 2024.
The fees waived in 2024 were for loads of elm wood under 1,000 kilograms. According to the report, that brought in almost 2,500 residents compared to 700 visits the previous year.
The reduction in revenue from the waived fees is listed in the report as being somewhere between $130,000 and $200,000.
If approved by committee and then by council, the cost of the uncollected fees will be added to the upcoming 2026-27 budget deliberations.
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