The public is being asked to share input on the City of Toronto's long-term waste management strategy through public events and an online survey.
The city said consultations so far have resulted in several key initiatives.
These include a single-use and takeout items reduction strategy and bylaw, accelerated plans for organics processing, supporting community-based waste reduction projects and bringing in five new community reduce and reuse programs.
"With a growing population, the changing nature of waste and limited landfill space, a waste strategy update is needed to further guide Toronto’s long-term waste management needs," the city said in a release.
The city-owned Green Lane landfill, which manages the majority of Toronto’s garbage, will approach capacity in 2035. Last year alone, the city said it managed close to 830,000 tonnes of waste.
"It is critical to start planning now — as planning, regulatory approvals and construction of new waste disposal infrastructure can take more than 10 years," the city said.
The first phase of consultations will focus on gathering feedback, soliciting ideas to reduce and divert waste from landfill and providing information to inform the public of landfill capacity challenges and disposal options.
Torontonians can respond to the online survey and attend one of the three consultation sessions, including one in-person event.
Key dates are:
- Online survey: available until Dec. 20
- Public drop-in event: Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 8 p.m., St. Paul's Bloor Street (227 Bloor St. E.)
- Virtual public consultation: Thursday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual public consultation: Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Learn more, register for consultations and fill out the online survey at www.toronto.ca/WasteStrategy.
