City of Regina Signs Agreement with Awasis for New Food and Yard Waste Processing Facility

The City of Regina has signed an agreement with Awasis Organic Ltd. to build and operate a new food and yard waste processing facility.

Awasis is an Indigenous-owned business with Cowessess Ventures Ltd. as the majority owner. The facility will be located on Cowessess First Nation land, approximately three kilometers east of the City along Highway #33. It is estimated to be operational by Fall 2026.

“This agreement reflects the City’s dedication to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for residential food and yard waste while honouring Indigenous stewardship,” said Kurtis Doney, Deputy City Manager, City Operations. “After months of careful collaboration and planning, we’re pleased to move forward with a solution that meets the needs of the community and supports a more sustainable future.”

The new facility will convert food and yard waste into biochar, a beneficial substance that can be added to soil to improve moisture and nutrient retention. This facility will support the City’s goal of diverting 65 per cent of food and yard waste from the landfill, helping to extend its lifespan and thereby defer large capital investments to construct a new landfill.

It will also help lower greenhouse gas emissions and support the City’s broader environmental commitment to achieve net-zero emissions and become 100 per cent renewable by 2050.

"This is Indigenous-led circular economy in action. Through a strong partnership between Awasis and the City of Regina, we are building the next generation of green infrastructure,” said Tim Dufour, Awasis President & CEO. “The new Awasis food and yard waste facility will be a totally enclosed, self-contained, high-tech solution that proves sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand."

This contract represents a significant step towards economic reconciliation and a strong partnership with First Nations, which aligns with the Treaty Principles outlined in kâ-nâsihcikêwin (the City of Regina’s Indigenous Framework). The City of Regina acknowledges our responsibility to be caretakers of the land, people, creatures and shared environment. This partnership also responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.

The City has been committed to developing a permanent food and yard waste processing facility to support the success of the green cart program, which launched in September of 2023. Currently, residential organic waste collected through the program is being processed by the City at a small, temporary compost site located at the landfill.

Residents should continue to use their green carts, and their food and yard waste material will continue to be delivered to the temporary site for processing until the new facility is operational.

Residents are reminded to use their green carts for all kitchen food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy as well as used paper towels, tissues, greasy cardboard and yard waste.

For more information about proper waste sorting, download the SortSmart Guide.