The City of Regina has unveiled an updated plan to encourage private commercial and residential property owners to adopt compost service ahead of a firm deadline next summer. On Wednesday, city council voted unanimously to enhance the cost-return offers available through the Early Adopter Incentive Program (EAIP), which was originally approved in 2023 alongside a citywide green bin rollout for organic waste such as food scraps and yard trimmings.
Enhanced Incentives for Early Adoption
The EAIP provides a total of $1 million in funding on a first-come, first-served basis to businesses, apartments, and condos that do not receive city-provided collection. This program aims to help cover costs for adding private compost service by July 1, 2027, as mandated by the city. After nearly three years of consultation with stakeholders, city staff presented an update that makes the program more flexible and attractive.
Under the new changes, the city will now cover 100 per cent of capital expenses up to $10,000, plus an additional 50 per cent of costs over $10,000, with a cap of $20,000 per applicant. Previously, the EAIP offered capital reimbursement for only 10 per cent of expenses up to $15,000. Additionally, a new per-unit incentive has been introduced for apartments and condos to help offset monthly operational costs of a compost program.
Positive Reception from Stakeholders
Jeff Campbell, president of the south Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute, which represents over 900 condo owners in the city, expressed optimism about the updated program. “I think it will be a huge success,” he said. “This has been in the works for several years, and we are finally in favour of it.”
Regina’s green bin program originally included a two-year deadline for properties using contracted waste disposal to implement their own compost service. City council later agreed to delay that deadline to 2027. The program is part of the city’s broader strategy to divert 65 per cent of waste from the landfill by 2030.
For more information on Regina’s compost initiatives, including the deal with Cowessess for a new compost facility and the report showing green carts diverted 39 per cent of organic waste in four months, readers can explore additional coverage.
