Moving to Canada comes with many adjustments, and while waste disposal might not be the most exciting topic, it’s one you’ll encounter daily—especially after every meal. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from Canada’s global responsibility in waste management to sorting your recyclables properly.
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The importance of recycling and waste management
Although often considered simple daily tasks, recycling and waste management are undeniably among the most important actions you can take as a responsible Canadian resident. Waste is a human-made issue, as Earth’s ecosystems recycle nutrients and products through natural cycles. Consequently, understanding proper waste disposal is crucial.
According to a study by CBC News published in 2013, Canadians were the top waste producers per capita globally, with each Canadian generating an average of 2.7 kg of waste daily, leading to a total of 31 million tonnes of waste produced annually by the country.
Developing the knack for discerning which materials should be discarded and which can be recycled or repurposed is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
Overview of Canada’s current waste management system
The Canadian government began focusing on waste management in the 1970s and 1980s, during a time when sustainability was becoming a global concern. Best practices were introduced to manage the country’s waste at large. Current measures include producer take-back systems, industrial parks, landfill gas recovery, life-cycle management, biomimicry, carbon restorative buildings, and more. The government has banned certain materials from entering landfills and passed legislation requiring manufacturers to properly dispose of certain materials before it becomes the responsibility of consumers.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development laid out a strategy for achieving a population of 9 billion people living within the resource limits of the planet by 2050. This is a huge undertaking, involving transforming material demand, consumption, and production to match the limits of non-renewable resources; closed-loop recycling, and adopting a circular approach to resources.
As a country, Canada is still far from achieving the 2050 Vision objectives and OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) commitments, making residents’ everyday habits all the more vital to keeping the nation on track.
The current waste management system follows a tiered approach, where Canadian residents are responsible for sorting their waste into three general bins: blue, green, and black, corresponding to recyclables, organics, and regular garbage. We’ll take a closer look at that later.
Major issues surrounding recycling and waste disposal in Canada
Challenges with plastic waste management
Canada, with its vast coastline and abundant freshwater resources, has a unique responsibility and opportunity to address the growing plastic crisis. Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to wildlife, ecosystems, and human well-being, making it an urgent issue to tackle, especially since plastics do not naturally degrade.
In response, Canada’s federal government launched the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative, aiming to eliminate plastic waste by 2030. This ambitious goal includes banning single-use plastics and improving recycling efforts. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has also introduced the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste, focusing on reducing plastic waste by enhancing product design, improving collection methods, and strengthening recycling systems.
Failures in provincial and territorial waste management regulations
Many provincial and territorial waste management regulations in Canada have faced challenges. Inconsistent regulations across regions have led to inefficiencies in waste reduction, recycling, and disposal. These fragmented regional policies have resulted in a lack of infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms, hindering proper waste diversion (the effort to keep waste out of landfills) and contributing to high levels of landfill waste and plastic pollution.
Additionally, weak policies on producer responsibility have placed much of the burden on municipalities and consumers rather than on the industries that generate plastic waste.
However, progress is being made. Canada has committed to a two-phase #ZeroPlasticWaste agenda made up of concrete actions and specific timelines to enhance the prevention, reduction, reuse, recovery, capture, and cleanup of plastic waste and pollution.
How recycling works in Canada
Hierarchy of waste management practices
The root solution to reducing the volume of waste is to minimize the amount produced in the first place. The Canadian government has created a waste hierarchy, prioritizing the most effective methods for minimizing waste and maximizing material reuse. For example, metal recycling is widely used in industrial sectors but can also be adopted by individuals to promote sustainability.
The waste management hierarchy ranks disposal methods from most preferred to least preferred:
- Waste prevention (reduce): Avoid creating waste.
- Reuse (repair): Extend products’ lifespans.
- Remanufacture (refurbish): Restore old products for reuse.
- Recycle: Make old products into new products
- Energy recovery: Convert waste into usable energy.
- Landfill: Disposal in landfills is the last resort.
Curbside pickup and colour-coded bins
Canada uses a relatively simple system for disposing of organics, recyclables, and garbage. However, it is important to check your local municipality for specific rules, as they may vary. If you live in a residential apartment complex, consult your property’s rules for waste disposal guidelines.
Collection times vary by municipality and may occur weekly, biweekly, or on a rotating schedule. Pickup times can also differ based on your location, occurring either in the morning or evening.
- Green Bin: Organic and food waste (compostables)
- Organic materials such as food scraps (raw or cooked), paper-based products like coffee filters and tea bags, and more structured paper products like paper plates and takeaway boxes (as long as they are not coated in wax or plastic) should go in the green bin. Pet waste and, depending on where you live, diapers can also be placed in the green bin.
- Blue Bin: Recycling
- Accepted recyclable items include glass, rigid plastics, soft plastics, metal, paper, paper containers, cardboard, and foam polystyrene. However, black plastic is generally considered non-recyclable by most municipalities and should go in the black bin. Medical and home healthcare equipment are also considered hazardous and should not be placed in the blue bin.
- Black Bin: Garbage
- The black bin, or garbage bin, is for waste that cannot be composted or recycled. This excludes hazardous materials, electronics, yard waste, and oversized items. Some municipalities may charge a fee for disposing of certain items, so it’s important to check with your local authorities.
Important waste management policies in Canada
Federal and provincial regulations
Waste management and reduction in Canada is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. Municipal governments handle household waste collection, recycling, composting, and disposal, while provincial and territorial authorities develop waste reduction strategies, regulate waste management facilities, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
The federal government plays a significant role in overseeing hazardous waste movement across provincial and international borders and promoting best practices to minimize pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from waste management. The government also funds various initiatives—including pilot projects, community programs, and infrastructure improvements—to reduce landfill waste and improve resource management.
Policies on plastic waste reduction
Canadians dispose of over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, contributing to marine litter and threatening wildlife, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Given Canada’s vast coastline and extensive freshwater resources, plastic pollution is one of the country’s most pressing policy issues.
To address this, the Canadian government has made significant progress in enacting policies to reduce plastic production and disposal. During Canada’s G7 presidency in 2018, the Ocean Plastics Charter was introduced to encourage sustainable plastic production, use, and management. The Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste, an initiative aimed at achieving zero plastic waste by 2030, was also launched.
Phase 1 of the Action Plan, drafted in 2019, focused on increasing the circularity of plastics. Phase 2, introduced in 2020, identified actions to reduce pollution, enhance research, and raise global awareness.
While progress has been made, it is uncertain whether Canada’s provinces, territories, municipalities, and private sector will collectively meet this ambitious goal.
The three Rs in Canada: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Strategies for reducing waste at home
The Three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—are essential principles for both Canadians and global citizens. While the Canadian government plays a significant role in reducing waste, individual residents can also make a big impact. Here are some strategies to adopt while you are adapting to your new home:
- Make sustainable purchases: Choose local, bulk purchases and bring your own reusable grocery bag to reduce single-use plastics. Be mindful of how much plastic packaging accompanies your items. For example, consider purchasing one larger yogurt container instead of multiple individual ones.
- Avoid fast fashion: Fast fashion produces large amounts of synthetic fabrics and microplastics. Opt for second-hand or gently used clothing to reduce waste.
- Reduce food waste: Plan meals in advance and make grocery lists to avoid over-purchasing. Compost your food scraps, and learn to repurpose food before it spoils.
- Switch to a lower-carbon diet: A plant-based diet can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Consider incorporating more meatless meals into your routine.
Don’t stay silent
Raise awareness about recycling and waste reduction in your community. Have conversations about how waste management systems differ in Canada compared to your home country. By joining the discussion, you may inspire others to join in reducing waste and trigger a ripple effect for fellow residents and community members.
The bottom line
Taking an active role in repurposing the waste you create is one of the most significant contributions you can make to your new home country. While it may seem small, your efforts to recycle and reduce waste are key steps in achieving Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste goal by 2030.
FAQs
What’s the easiest way to find out my municipality’s recycling patterns and rules?
Download the GarbageDay app for recycling schedules or check your municipality’s Waste Wizard search engine online – a quick Google search does the trick!
What are common recycling mistakes?
Common mistakes include placing items in the wrong bin, failing to rinse food containers, attempting to recycle textiles, and trying to recycle hot beverage cups lined with unrecyclable plastic. Be sure to check for additional recycling programs in your municipality, like textile recycling in Markham or black plastic recycling in Kitchener-Waterloo.
What should I do with hazardous waste like batteries, paint, or electronics?
Hazardous waste should never be placed in regular trash or recycling bins. Many municipalities have special drop-off locations or collection events for safe disposal.