On November 22, 2023, City Council passed waste management requirements for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) sector. All businesses, institutions, and organizations within Regina city limits will soon be required to have a multi-stream waste management program where recycling, food and yard waste, and garbage are separated.
Information
A guide to assist businesses in implementing and operating their waste management programs is available for download here: Multi-Stream Waste Management Guide PDF.
Who is Affected?
The ICI waste management requirements apply to any business, institution or organization operating in Regina city limits, irrespective of its size or number of employees. This includes but is not limited to offices, retail stores, restaurants, manufacturers, non-profit organizations, places of worship, and warehouses.
Waste Management Bylaw Requirements
As of January 1, 2026, all businesses, institutions and organizations will be required to have multi-stream waste management programs where recycling, food and yard waste, and garbage are separated at the point of disposal per The Waste Management Bylaw (No. 2012-63).
Businesses must implement a multi-stream waste collection and processing program that:
- Separates recyclables, food and yard waste, and garbage at the source.
- Maintains adequate bins and signage for each stream in good condition.
- Ensures consistent material collection.
- Empties and processes recyclables, food and yard waste, and garbage appropriately.
- Provides information to employees on bin locations and accepted materials.
Waste Bin Requirements:
Bins should be conveniently located, clearly labeled, and coloured as follows:
- Recycling: Blue
- Food and Yard Waste: Green
- Garbage: Black or Brown
*There is an option available to apply to waive the bin colour requirements if your business is part of a franchise or has specific branding requirements.
*There is an option available to apply to have your bins colours grandfathered in if your business implemented a multi-stream waste program for all three streams (recycling which collects more than paper, food and yard waste, and garbage) prior to March 31, 2023.
Click here to fill out the Request to Waive Bin Colour Requirements form
Click here to fill out the Grandfathering Bins form
Signs, Labels, and Posters:
Businesses must post clear, coloured signage near bins. Signs should be visible, well-maintained, and follow colour-coding. Linked below are several choices for printable sign templates that can be used by the ICI sector and additional educational material.
- Green Our Routine Coffee Cup (1920x1080)
- Compost Poster (7 x 8.5)
- Refundables Poster (7 x 8.5)
- Landfill Poster(7 x 8.5)
- Mixed Recyclables (7 x 8.5)
- Recycle Here Poster (8.5x11)
- Recycle Here Poster (11x17)
- Recycling Items Poster (8.5 x 11)
- Recycling Items Poster (11x17)
- Compost Here Poster (8.5x11)
- Compost Here Poster (11x17)
- Compost Items Poster (8.5x11)
- Compost Items Poster (11x17)
Early Adopter Incentive Program
The Early Adopter Incentive Program offers financial support for businesses, institutions and organizations that implement their program by January 1, 2025. The Early Adopter Incentive Program reimburses 10% of capital investment in waste bins or technologies, up to $15,000.
The reimbursement is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a total budget of $1 million. Below are the steps to apply for the program and receive the reimbursement:
Step 1: Submit a Proposal
Submit a detailed proposal to the City outlining your multi-stream waste management plan. Submit your proposal here:
Step 2: Implement Your Waste Management Program
Once your proposal is approved, you must implement the multi-stream waste management program as outlined in your proposal. Ensure all capital investments are made within the approved scope.
Step 3: Submit a Funding Application
After implementation, submit a funding application to the City. This application should include: Evidence of your capital investment (e.g., receipts, invoices). You must submit the funding application within 90 days of the proposal approval.
*The webform for submitting your funding application will be provided to you when your proposal is approved.
Step 4: Follow Up with Extensions if Needed
If you can't meet the 90-day deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, submit a written extension request to the City. The City will consider extensions on a case-by-case basis.
Click here to fill out the Early Adopter Incentive Program form
Waste Diversion Tips
By implementing a waste diversion program, you will be supporting the City's goal to divert Regina’s waste from the landfill extending the landfill life. Refer to The Waste Management Bylaw, section 37 for information on proper waste bin management and minimum collection requirements.
A guide to assist businesses in implementing and operating their waste management programs is available for download here: Multi-Stream Waste Management Guide PDF.
There are seven steps to follow for an effective waste management program:
- Understand your waste by conducting a waste audit. You can download the DIY Waste Audit Form here. Decide who will haul and process your waste.
- Collect the right materials
- Place and label your bins
- Create a waste plan and make sure it is available upon request Click for a Sample Waste Guide here.
- Educate your employees and tenants about the program
- Reach out to the City of Regina for support and resources to set up or improve your waste management program.
Recycling and Composting Haulers
Similar to contracting a garbage hauler, property or business owners have the option to select from various companies to secure recycling and food and yard waste collection services. It is a requirement that your chosen recycling and food and yard waste hauler(s) collect, at a minimum, the same recyclable and organic items as the City's curbside Recycling and Food and Yard waste programs.
Haulers in Regina, include but are not limited to:
- Emterra Group
- Environmental 360 Solutions
- GFL Environmental
- Local Environmental Services Saskatchewan
- Loraas Disposal
- Super Save Group
Make sure you check with your current hauler if they can facilitate the new services before contacting a new one.