Creating a Cleaner, Greener, and more Livable Toronto

With almost three million people living in the City of Toronto, waste management is a complicated task. In 2019, the City managed an astounding 900,000 tonnes of waste. As our population continues to grow and the environmental landscape changes, it's critical that we prioritize the implementation of Toronto's Long Term Waste Management Strategy (LTWMS).

As the former Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure, I introduced the LTWMS to guide waste management in Toronto over the next 30 to 50 years. This ambitious plan includes recommendations to promote resource conservation, reduce our environmental impact, and maximize the value of items before disposal. The LTWMS also commits the City to divert 70 percent of waste from landfills and supports the move towards a circular economy and zero-waste future. In 2019 alone, the City diverted approximately 400,000 tonnes of waste from landfills.

Since I first launched the LTWMS in 2016, it has grown into one of North America's most comprehensive waste strategies. Some of the most well-known programs include blue bin recycling, green bin organics, yard waste, backyard composting, household hazardous waste, grasscycling, electronic waste pickup, and Community Environment Days. Lesser-known but equally important initiatives include efforts to reduce single-use and takeaway items, community reduce and reuse programs, the TOwaste App, and waste reduction community grants.

At City Hall, I've continued to advocate for solutions that protect our environmental assets and contribute to waste reduction. I've directed staff to assess the feasibility of limiting or eliminating single-use plastics, incorporating reusable service ware into restaurants, and develop waste management guidelines for various sectors. I've also called for retailers to offer alternative disposal options at point of purchase and directed staff to develop a City-wide textile waste diversion program.

For more information on how you can help reduce Toronto's environmental footprint, please visit the City's website and subscribe to the LTWMS mailing list.