Volume of waste diverted from landfills in Canada 2004-2016
This statistic displays the volume of waste that has been diverted in Canada from 2004 to 2016. In 2016, some 9.25 million metric tons of material was diverted from entering the waste stream. The amount of waste generated in the country has increased; however, recycling rates have also increased across most of the country.
Ontario’s waste management
The volume of waste materials diverted away from landfills in Canada has increased from 7.1 million metric tons in 2004 to over 9.25 million metric tons in 2016. During this same year, about 2.6 million metric tons of organics was diverted in the country.
Although, all levels of government can have some impact on waste management in Ontario, each province is largely responsible for its own schemes including approval, licensing, and monitoring its management operations. Municipal governments are responsible for collecting and managing residential waste. In Ontario, there are several different programs that aim to reduce the volume of waste placed in landfills including: the blue box program, the used tires program, and the electrical and electronic equipment program. The first Blue Box Program in the province took effect on February 1st, 2004 and its purpose was to divert 50 percent of printed paper and packaging by 2006, contribute 50 percent of funds for municipal recycling by levying companies that put paper material into the marketplace, and ensure consumers adopt a fitting recycling behavior. About 95 percent of people living in the province have access to curbside recycling. Ontario accounted for 3.31 million metric tons of the country’s total diverted waste in 2016.
Ontario’s waste management
The volume of waste materials diverted away from landfills in Canada has increased from 7.1 million metric tons in 2004 to over 9.25 million metric tons in 2016. During this same year, about 2.6 million metric tons of organics was diverted in the country.
Although, all levels of government can have some impact on waste management in Ontario, each province is largely responsible for its own schemes including approval, licensing, and monitoring its management operations. Municipal governments are responsible for collecting and managing residential waste. In Ontario, there are several different programs that aim to reduce the volume of waste placed in landfills including: the blue box program, the used tires program, and the electrical and electronic equipment program. The first Blue Box Program in the province took effect on February 1st, 2004 and its purpose was to divert 50 percent of printed paper and packaging by 2006, contribute 50 percent of funds for municipal recycling by levying companies that put paper material into the marketplace, and ensure consumers adopt a fitting recycling behavior. About 95 percent of people living in the province have access to curbside recycling. Ontario accounted for 3.31 million metric tons of the country’s total diverted waste in 2016.
