The City works to reduce and better manage waste and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. To achieve this, the City focuses on waste reduction, reuse and recycling and activities that promote resource conservation and reduce environmental impacts in the long term. However, despite best efforts to reduce, reuse and divert waste this does not entirely eliminate residual waste (garbage).
In 2023, the City managed close to 830,000 tonnes of waste. The City is working to update the 2016 Long-term Waste Management Strategy. With a growing population, the changing nature of waste and limited landfill space, a strategy is needed to guide Toronto’s long-term waste management.