Have your say about Toronto’s current and future waste management needs, including long-term options for managing Toronto’s garbage, and help the City meet its aspirational goal of zero-waste.
Watch the livestream (opens in new window) of the public event from June 10.

 

Waste management in a city the size of Toronto is a complex task. In 2023, the City managed close to 830,000 tonnes of waste, including recycling, Green Bin organics, yard waste, garbage and more. Despite efforts to reduce, reuse and divert waste, close to 400,000 tonnes of this was garbage.

With a growing population, Toronto’s waste is anticipated to grow and landfill capacity in Ontario is estimated to run out in the next ten years. A long-term strategy is required to more accurately reflect Toronto’s current and future waste management needs and progress towards the City’s aspirational zero-waste goals.

The Long-term Waste Management Strategy (Waste Strategy) (Executive Summary PDFFull Report PDF), approved by City Council in 2016, provides a roadmap on how to manage our waste for the next 30 to 50 years.

Waste Strategy Update

In June 2023, City Council directed Solid Waste Management Services to update the Long-term Waste Management Strategy (Waste Strategy Update) as part of its consideration of the Residual Waste Management Work Plan.

The City is working on updating the 2016 Long-term Waste Management Strategy to better anticipate future needs, identify options to reduce waste produced by a growing population and minimize the amount of garbage requiring disposal as the City’s Green Lane Landfill approaches its capacity by 2035.

Disposal Options and Energy-from-Waste (Incineration)

In 2025, public consultations on the Waste Strategy will include discussion about garbage disposal options including landfill and energy-from-waste (incineration).

It is critical to start discussions now, as planning, regulatory approvals and construction of any new waste disposal infrastructure can take more than ten years. It will also include a work plan for the implementation period of 2026 to 2036.

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