Toronto Seeks Public Feedback to Shape Long-term Waste Strategy

Toronto, ON – The City of Toronto is inviting residents to provide their input on the future of waste management as part of an update to its Long-term Waste Management Strategy. Public consultations and an online survey are being held now through December 20, 2024, to address critical waste management challenges and ensure sustainable practices for years to come.

First adopted in 2016, the City’s Waste Management Strategy has introduced key initiatives such as the Single-Use and Takeaway Items (SUTI) Reduction Strategy, expanded organics processing planning, and launched community-based waste reduction programs. However, with Toronto’s population continuing to grow, the nature of waste evolving, and landfill capacity shrinking, the City is revisiting its strategy to meet long-term needs.

Growing Urgency: Green Lane Landfill Nearing Capacity

Toronto’s Green Lane Landfill, which currently handles most of the city’s garbage, is projected to reach capacity by 2035. Managing nearly 830,000 tonnes of waste last year alone, Toronto faces mounting pressure to reduce waste and plan for new disposal infrastructure. City officials estimate that obtaining regulatory approvals and constructing new facilities could take more than a decade, highlighting the need for immediate action.

City of Toronto seeks public input on waste strategy

News release: https://t.co/zX0I3m9SQI pic.twitter.com/7xycCePItt

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 19, 2024

Priorities for Consultation

The City aims to use this round of consultations to refine the vision and principles of its Waste Strategy, explore innovative solutions to reduce and divert waste from landfills, and raise awareness about the environmental and logistical challenges posed by limited landfill space. This aligns with Toronto’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, which emphasizes waste reduction, resource conservation, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Opportunities to Participate

Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts by participating in the online survey or attending one of three consultation events:

• Online Survey: Open until Friday, December 20, at 11:59 p.m.
• In-person Public Event: Tuesday, December 3, 2–8 p.m., at St. Paul’s Bloor Street (227 Bloor St. E.)
• Virtual Consultations:
  • Thursday, December 5, from 2–3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 11, from 7–8:30 p.m.

Shaping Toronto’s Sustainable Future

By updating its Waste Management Strategy, Toronto seeks to build a resilient system that reduces environmental impacts, maximizes resource recovery, and prepares the city for future waste management demands.

For more details or to participate in the consultations, visit www.toronto.ca/WasteStrategy.