Long-term Waste Management Strategy

Overview

Since 1973, the Region of Waterloo has provided waste management collection, disposal and diversion services and programs to residents and businesses across the region. 

The Region of Waterloo is updating its Long-term Waste Management Strategy to address our growing community's evolving waste management needs and support sustainable and affordable waste management practices. 

This strategy will set up a framework for managing waste over the next 25 years through minimizing environmental impacts, managing waste sustainably and fiscally responsibly, fostering a circular economy, aligning with provincial and federal regulations, improving efficiencies, and encouraging public awareness.

The main goals are to divert more waste from the landfill, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy to foster a culture of sustainability. The strategy will explore a wide range of options to ensure sustainable, affordable and reliable waste services that address residential, commercial, industrial, and hazardous waste.

We anticipate the strategy will be completed by spring 2026.

Schedule 

• Phase 1: Build the Foundation - spring 2025
• Phase 2: Evaluate Possibilities - summer 2025
• Phase 3: Create a Roadmap - fall 2025

Contact 

Tracy Annett, Senior Engineer
Engineering and Environmental Services
Region of Waterloo
LTWMS@regionofwaterloo.ca

Service First Contact Centre: 519-575-4400

Public Engagement 

We believe that everyone has an important role to play in waste management and reduction. We'll reach out to the community through  residents, local businesses and organizations as we develop this strategy. We invite everyone to participate in shaping the LTWMS. 

The presentation slides from the public meetings on May 14, 2025 and May 15, 2025 are now available. 

A recording of the presentation is also available. 

Visit EngageWR for all engagement opportunities.

 EngageWR - Get involved 

Project details

Building on Success

The LTWMS update will build on our successes from the 2013 Waste Management Master Plan. Many of the actions in the strategy were accomplished with the support of our local community. Some of the successes include:

• Standardized services across the region, including waste programs, garbage bag limits, and waste by-laws.
• Introduction of bi-weekly garbage collection.
• Expansion of the green bin program.
• Implementation of a partial user-pay system through bag tag fees.

Exploring Options

The LTWMS will explore a wide range of options to ensure we continue to have sustainable, reliable and affordable waste services that address all types of waste, including residential, commercial, industrial and hazardous waste, by fostering collaboration with community partners and leveraging existing facilities and sourcing new innovative technologies.

Promoting a Culture of Sustainability

The LTWMS is committed to promoting inclusive, sustainable and affordable practices and advancing a circular economy. We aim to maximize waste diversion and energy recovery, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term resource conservation and recovery.

This project supports the Region of Waterloo's Strategic Plan, Growing with Care.