Saskatoon’s landfill could be in operation until 2070, city says

An open portion of Saskatoon's landfill, pictured in 2024. (Chad Hills / CTV News)

Administrators at Saskatoon’s city hall are asking councillors for some changes they say will help fund ongoing maintenance at the landfill, as they continue saving for a replacement.

In 2011, the city embarked on major changes to how it handles garbage. Prior to that, officials estimated the Spadina landfill would reach capacity within 10 to 15 years.

Now — thanks to improvements to how waste is compacted and placed, and improved diversion of recyclable and biodegradable materials — administration says the Spadina facility could remain operational until 2070. It’s asking councillors on the environment and utilities committee for some funding flexibility to help keep it going.

According to a report before Tuesday’s committee meeting, administration is asking council to redefine the terms of the landfill replacement reserve so some of the fund can be used to offset the ongoing maintenance costs of the Spadina landfill.

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“With the changes made since 2011, the landfill is projected to have approximately 45 years of remaining capacity, offering the city a substantial timeframe to proactively plan for its eventual replacement,” the city’s environmental projects managers write in Tuesday’s report.

“This extended planning horizon presents an opportunity to explore innovative waste management solutions, assess long-term environmental impacts, and align future infrastructure with the City’s sustainability goals.”

The landfill replacement reserve, funded by an annual allocation of $331,800 from the city’s operating budget and a portion of tipping fees, has paid for the improvements that extended the lifespan of the dump — but administration says its scope limits what it can be used for.

City officials are asking to rename the fund to the waste processing capital and replacement reserve, aiming to broaden the scope to cover ongoing maintenance at the Spadina site, including expansions to the landfill gas field, capital purchases and things like roadways upgrades and litter fencing.

If passed, the updated fund could also cover capital costs of the future city-run organics processing facility, administrators say. Preliminary construction on that project is already underway.

The city currently estimates it will cost between $147 million to $258 million to build a new landfill.