Waste management regulations in Yukon are legislative, with a Solid Waste Action Plan (2010) that focuses on integrating waste disposal, recycling and waste reduction.

In 2013 the Department of Community Services established a Solid Waste Working Group which has the objective of providing a venue for the Yukon government and municipal governments to work together to improve solid waste management in Yukon communities. They have undertaken research and analysis, and are a central point to distribute information to municipalities.

Key laws in Yukon that affect waste and recycling activities:

Yukon’s Solid Waste Regulations set standards for building and operating community landfills and for managing waste in the territory.

Diversion Rates (Tonnes) 2016

Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Plastics diversion rates not available for the territories.

All materials diverted 32,612
White goods N/A
Electronics 128
Plastics N/A
Tires 1,175
Construction, renovation and demolition N/A
Other materials N/A 

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016

Material Recovery Overview:

Recycling in Whitehorse

Starting October 1, you can recycle electrical and electronic products at Raven Recycling for free. You can recycle tires at the City of Whitehorse waste facility. Tipping fees are not charged for tires with a rim size of less than 39 inches.

Visit the city website to find out more about recycling in Whitehorse.

Recycling in rural Yukon and communities

Starting October 1, you can recycle electrical and electronic products for free at your local recycling depot. You can recycle tires for free at your local waste facility.

Find out what’s accepted at your local transfer station.

Refundable items

Beverage containers
  • Product: Milk and milk substitutes
    Surcharge: $0.10
    Refund: $0.05
    Examples: Milk and milk substitutes like rice, almond or coconut milk, milkshake products, liquid dairy or non-dairy creamer and liquid dairy whipping cream.
  • Product: Beverage containers 30 ml to 750 ml
    Surcharge: $0.10
    Refund: $0.05
    Examples: Juice, pop, alcoholic beverages, coffee drinks and liquid coffee flavouring, fruit smoothie drinks and drinkable yogurt.
  • Product: Beverage containers 750 ml and more
    Surcharge: $0.35
    Refund: $0.25
    Examples: Juice, pop, alcoholic beverages, coffee drinks and liquid coffee flavouring, fruit smoothie drinks and drinkable yogurt.

New recycling surcharges

Find out more about changes to surcharges on tires, electronic and electrical products coming into effect October 1, 2018.

For more information on recycling in Yukon, visit the Government of Yukon’s Website