Strathcona County Council will hold a public hearing on July 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. to review proposed changes to the Waste Bylaw affecting businesses and multi-family properties in Sherwood Park and across the county. The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber and will also be accessible online via Zoom.
The proposed bylaw would require all industrial, commercial, and institutional properties to separate their waste into three streams: garbage, recycling, and organics. This brings business waste practices in line with what the county already asks of residents. Currently, the ICI sector generates 49 per cent of all waste in Strathcona County, making the change a key part of the county’s waste diversion strategy.
Businesses would need to use county-approved haulers who follow set service standards. These include collecting the three waste streams separately, taking materials to approved facilities, and charging rates at or below county-set maximums. Haulers would also be limited to price increases tied to the consumer price index. The county says this system will help keep costs fair and services consistent.
If the bylaw passes, businesses will have nine months to set up sorting in back-of-house areas like staff rooms and kitchens. Public-facing spaces, such as customer areas, will have an additional 18 months to comply. Each business will also need to file an annual Waste Diversion Compliance Plan online and provide training and signs for staff and customers. The county plans to offer rebates for early adopters to cover costs for bins, signs, and training.
The proposed changes follow a commercial organics pilot in 2024 and community engagement sessions in 2025. Residents and business owners can share their views at the July 7 hearing in person or remotely. Those who want to speak via Zoom must register by 4 p.m. on July 6, and written submissions are due by noon on July 6. Registration details are available on the Strathcona County public hearings page.
