Long-term Waste Management Strategy

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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 winter 2026.

Schedule

Phase 1: Build the foundation - spring 2025
Phase 2: Evaluate possibilities - fall 2025
Phase 3: Create a roadmap - winter 2026

Phase 2: Evaluate possibilities

In Phase 1 we launched the project and engaged on the vision, guiding principles and gathered ideas for the LTWMS update.

In Phase 2 we are using that feedback to create a set of possible actions and programs (options) listed below, that the Region can take to reduce waste. We are presenting these actions in this phase to gather your feedback and input.

The draft actions identified in the project to date follow below:

1. Conduct waste audits to improve programs:

This involves regularly checking samples of garbage from homes, apartments, and businesses to see what common items are being thrown out. The results will help us improve our waste programs.

2. Support new programs to divert and reuse more materials:

We'll use the information from waste audits to set up new programs that help divert and reuse materials that are currently being thrown away.

3. Implement material bans to keep items out of the garbage:

This would require people to recycle or compost specific materials instead of throwing them in the garbage. Non-compliance could result in a warning or fine.

4. Review drop-off services for waste:

We are considering adding new options like mobile collection vehicles or temporary pop-up drop-off days in local communities. This would improve accessibility and help residents dispose of items not suitable for curbside collection.

5. Create a community fund for waste reduction, paid for by a landfill fee:

An extra fee would be added to waste taken to the landfill. The money collected would go into a fund to support new projects that help reduce, reuse, and divert waste.

6. Create a plan for construction and demolition waste:

This initiative would develop a plan to help residents, businesses, and contractors divert more waste from construction, renovation, and demolition projects, which currently make up a large amount of our local waste.

7. Reduce waste at government and public buildings:

The Region and local municipalities would work together to reduce waste at public facilities. This includes donating usable items and ensuring food waste and diversion programs are in place.

8. Conduct a study about the landfill’s future:

This study would determine if more garbage can be added to the approved closed parts of the Waterloo Landfill. This could extend the landfill's lifespan and delay the need for a new facility.

9. Develop a long-term plan for garbage disposal:

We will conduct a study of future options for managing our waste, such as creating energy from waste or partnering with other municipalities and the province to address key issues.

10. Support local groups to educate residents about reducing waste:

A fund would be established to help community partners, like schools and local groups, run projects that teach people how to reduce, reuse, divert waste, and promote a circular economy.

11. Launch a community contest for new ideas on reducing waste:

We would invite local innovators to suggest new ways to get people involved in reducing waste. Winning ideas would receive funding and support to make them happen.

12. Create a “Gold Star” program to reward households for proper waste sorting:

This program would give a “Gold Star” sticker or a small prize to residents, community groups, or businesses that do an excellent job of sorting their waste correctly.

13. Recruit “Community Waste Ambassadors” to help residents:

A team of trained volunteers would be formed to help people at local events and parks by providing tips on how to reduce and properly sort waste.

14. Create a community grant for reuse and repair initiatives:

A grant fund would be set up to support local groups running projects like repair cafes, reuse events, or other community programs.

15. Create an “Innovation Hub” for waste-reduction businesses:

This program would offer advice, resources, and potential funding to help local entrepreneurs start new businesses focused on reducing waste, reusing materials, and promoting a circular economy.

16. Support a program to reduce food waste and save edible food:

We would partner with local businesses to distribute their safe, surplus food to those in need and develop a long-term plan to prevent food waste.

17. Create a program to help local businesses reduce waste:

We would offer support, such as guides, to help businesses reduce their waste and explore options for them to use Regional services for a fee.

18. Improve waste collection in multi-residential buildings:

This option explores having the Region collect waste from all multi-residential buildings (7+ units) and providing educational tools to help landlords and residents improve waste sorting.

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 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.