On July 7, 2026, an updated Waste Bylaw will be presented to Council with important changes proposed for the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector, as well as multi-family residences.

The main change is that all businesses and organizations within Strathcona County will be required to sort their organics and recycling from their waste the same as our residential waste program. This will align the business sector with the goals laid out in the County’s Waste Roadmap.

At its core, this updated bylaw is about setting clear standards for waste across Strathcona County—one where waste diversion is consistent, widely participated in, and simply part of how our community functions.

Over the last few years, we ran a commercial organics pilot program, engaged businesses, haulers, processors, other institutions and reviewed what works elsewhere. We learned that a County led framework—with clear rules and permitted haulers creates a level playing field while giving businesses choice and flexibility.

Current situation

Nearly half of the waste generated in the County is from the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector. Currently ICI waste diversion is voluntary and inconsistent from business to business. This means that a lot of waste that could be recycled or composted is instead ending up in the landfill.

When the County first developed our Waste Roadmap, we asked residents and businesses for input on the current waste system. We heard that:

• Residents want the ability to recycle and compost across the community.

• Residents support the commercial sector doing more to divert waste.

• Businesses want programs that are fair, consistent, and cost-effective.

To build on this, the County ran a commercial organics pilot in 2024. Then, in 2025, we met with businesses, property managers, waste processors, and haulers through engagement sessions, surveys, and interviews. We heard that:

• Many businesses want to do the right thing

• They want clear rules that are fair and predictable

• Common barriers were cost and limited control over service

• Voluntary programs don’t drive participation and feel unfair when not everyone takes part

What is being proposed

The proposed commercial waste diversion program is meant to create clear, consistent rules across the County.

Bylaw: Requirements for all commercial waste generators include:

• Separate waste into three streams (garbage, recycling, organics).

• Provide the right containers, with educational signage, for tenants, staff and customers to participate in diversion. Train staff on what goes where.
  Back-of-house compliance first. (operational / staff areas)
  Front-of-house compliance 18 months after. (public areas)

• Use a County approved hauler who provides waste, organics and recycling collection services.

• Submit a waste diversion compliance plan through an online portal.

Approved haulers: The County is proposing clear, consistent service standards for commercial haulers, including maximum rates, limits on surcharges, and contract flexibility for right sizing. Each business will choose one of the approved haulers and sign a contract directly with them.

Reliable organics processing: The County is looking to secure processing capacity so organics can be managed locally and costs are manageable and predictable.

County oversight and support: The County will provide education, waste diversion guides, standard signage, and incentives, including early adopter recognition and rebates for start-up costs associated with meeting compliance (i.e. staff training, bins). The County is also providing a transition period to give businesses time to prepare. Once the County has a list of Approved Haulers, businesses can start to transition their waste program. Businesses need to begin sorting waste in their back-of-house operations within 9 months, with the front-of-house sorting beginning 18 months later.

Review the draft bylaw.

Draft Waste Bylaw

What this means for your business

• All Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) businesses must set up multi-stream collection services with a County Approved Hauler, train staff, post signage and submit a compliance plan.

• All businesses and their tenants, staff and customers will need to separate waste into three streams: garbage, recycling, organics (if you generate organics waste) or cooking grease (if applicable). This creates consistency and equity in waste management across the residential and commercial sectors.

• The County will provide support through clear service parameters on Approved Haulers, phased program rollouts, early adopter rebates for bins/signage/training, educational guides and downloadable posters.

How will this affect your business?

Select your business type from the options below to learn how these changes will affect your specific business.

Large Grocery Franchise Medium Office

Small Retail Business Restaurant or Cafe

Multi-tenant Plaza

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Timeline

Dates are subject to change based on the date the bylaw is approved.

• July 2026: Public hearing & Council Bylaw Approval

• July–September 2026: Approved hauler selection process (3 months after bylaw approval)

• Fall 2026: Early adopter phase launches – businesses can contract with approved haulers and apply for early adopter rebates

• June 2027: Bylaw enforcement starts for back-of-house areas (12 months after bylaw approval)

• January 2029: Bylaw enforcement starts for front-of-house areas (18 months after back of house compliance)

Learn more

Draft Waste Management Bylaw 20-2026 (778.8 KB)

Current Waste Bylaw 39-2014

Waste Bylaw Comparison Chart (88.7 KB)

Strathcona Count Waste Management Roadmap (13.3 MB)

Waste Management Roadmap Implementation Framework (4.0 MB)

Commercial Food Waste Diversion Pilot

Commercial Waste Engagement | County Voice