City of Regina Early Adopter Incentive Program - Webinar Recording

The video is a webinar presenting upcoming City of Regina waste management bylaw changes affecting multifamily properties, including condos, detailing new food and yard waste service requirements, available support programs, and options for compliance and funding.

We wish to thank:

Willow Iorga, presenter (City of Regina)

Janet Aird, co-presenter (City of Regina)

Dawna Matthews, moderator (CCI South Saskatchewan Vice-President)

Jeff Campbell, closing remarks, (CCI South Saskatchewan President)

...and also our many attendees.

FAQ:

Q: The recommended cart-to-unit ratio doesn't work for downtown apartment buildings. Is there flexibility?

Yes. The cart-to-unit ratio is intended as a guideline only. Every building is different, and factors such as collection frequency, waste generation patterns, and available storage space can all affect the number of carts required. Increasing collection frequency can significantly reduce the number of carts required on site. For example, a 60-unit building that may require four carts with once-weekly collection could potentially require only one to two carts if collection occurs more frequently, such as twice per week. More frequent collection allows buildings to manage organics with less on-site storage space.

Q: We have limited space downtown. How can we fit green carts?

There are several options available to help buildings manage space constraints.

Option 1: Downsize Existing Garbage Containers

Many buildings may find that once food waste is diverted to organics, they can reduce the size of their garbage service.

For example:

• Replace a 6-yard garbage container with a 4-yard container
• Use the freed-up space for green carts

This can help offset the footprint required for organics while maintaining overall waste service levels.

Option 2: Share Green Carts

Downtown buildings are welcome to share green carts in common collection areas where operationally appropriate. Shared infrastructure can reduce the amount of space required by individual properties while still providing residents with access to organics diversion.

Option 3: Install In-Ground Containers

Properties may choose to install in-ground or semi-underground organics containers.

These systems:

• Reduce visible infrastructure
• Minimize space requirements above ground
• Can provide larger storage capacity in a smaller footprint

Option 4: Install Digesters

Some buildings may choose to install an on-site organics digester. Digesters process food waste within the building, reducing or eliminating the need for multiple outdoor carts and helping address space limitations.

Option 5: Use Countertop Composting Systems

Properties may also us countertop composters. These solutions can reduce the amount of material requiring outdoor storage and may eliminate the need for dedicated outdoor organics cart space altogether.

Q: What options are available for buildings with unique space challenges?

Potential solutions include:

• Adjusting collection frequency (have carts collected twice per week instead of once), reducing the number of required carts
• Downsizing garbage containers
• Sharing carts with neighbouring properties
• Installing in-ground containers
• Using digesters
• Implementing countertop composting systems

Q: Will green carts create pest problems?

We have not experienced pest issues with residential green carts. It's important to remember that residents are already generating food waste today. The program simply requires that those materials be sorted into a green cart instead of the garbage container. If a building is not currently experiencing pest issues from food waste in its garbage system, it is unlikely to experience new issues simply because that material is being separated into a green cart.

To further reduce odours and prevent pests, we recommend:

• Using kitchen catcher liners
• Using BPI certified compostable bags
• Keeping food waste bagged before placing it in the green cart
• Avoiding loose organic material whenever possible

When organics are properly bagged, they are less likely to produce odours or attract pests.

 Click here to discover more information on the City of Regina Website

Click here to access the funding application website

Click here to view/download slides PDF

Program e-mail: wastediversionservices@regina.ca