Waste plan delivers early success in reducing waste to landfill

The Committee received the 2025 annual update on the City’s Solid Waste Master Plan, which outlines progress made in the first year of implementation, including the three-item garbage limit and the Multi-residential Waste Diversion Strategy. The committee also approved extending the Agriculture Exemption Program until 2027.

Commitment to the goals of the master plan has been supported by extensive community engagement on waste reduction and reuse initiatives, as well as through the creation and support of reuse events and repair cafés and the launch of a Food Waste Reduction Strategy. The City has also made good progress involving multi-residential properties in the Green Bin Program, with more than 340 properties added since October 2024. Together, these efforts are helping reduce waste and extend the life of the City’s landfill.

Next steps in 2026 include a citywide Green Bin education campaign, new bulky item diversion programs, and pilot events for collecting small amounts of hazardous waste. Planning is also underway for long-term waste technologies, including waste-to-energy and landfill options, with feasibility studies and business cases in development.

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, November 12.