Reducing landfill use requires reducing garbage

Waterloo Region – Regional staff are recommending reducing the residential bi-weekly garbage limit from four to three bags/containers starting October 17, 2022.   

A recent waste audit conducted in 15 collection areas, showed that 88 per cent of households already place three or less garbage bags/containers at the curb.

“When we look at how to reduce the amount of waste going to  the landfill, it’s not only about collecting less garbage but also maximizing the amount of materials being diverted through the use of blue boxes, green bins, and our yard waste program,” says Jon Arsenault, director Waste Management Services for the Region of Waterloo.

Since introducing the bi-weekly four-bag limit back in 2017, organics tonnage has risen by 170 per cent, blue box is up five per cent, and the amount of garbage collected has reduced by 26 per cent.

“Sometimes, we get into old habits and just throw recyclables and organics into the garbage. By taking a few extra minutes, we can all reduce the amount of garbage we place at the curb,” added Arsenault.

A 2019 waste audit revealed that a typical residential garbage bag placed for collection contains, on average, 13 per cent blue box materials and 46 per cent green bin organics. That’s a lot of opportunity to improve and divert garbage from the landfill.

The three-bag/container garbage limit will apply to single-family households across Waterloo Region, including duplexes and townhouse complexes receiving Regional curbside collection services.

This recommendation supports the Corporate Strategic Plan’s Environment and Climate Action objective to direct more waste away from landfill, improve recycling and better manage organic waste. Regional staff will provide communications and educational opportunities to residents across the region over the next few months in advance of the October program implementation.

-30-