Ottawa's Environment and Climate Change Committee Reviews Solid Waste Master Plan

Ottawa's Environment and Climate Change Committee reviewed progress on the Solid Waste Master Plan, with staff reporting lower garbage tonnage, high compliance with the three-item garbage limit, and expanded organics service in multi-residential buildings. Committee members and delegates also discussed illegal dumping, landfill capacity, construction waste rules, and a motion asking the province to create a deposit return system for beverage containers.

Topics Discussed

1. SOLID WASTE MASTER PLAN: Lower garbage tonnage and higher diversion

Staff reported that curbside participation remains high under the three-item garbage limit. General Manager Shelley McDonald said, "Implementation is working because residents are participating. We're seeing strong participation and compliance from residents, particularly with the three item garbage limit and our diversion programs." Staff said garbage tonnage fell about 11 per cent between 2023 and 2025, 73 per cent of surveyed households are setting out green bins, and between 75 and 79 per cent of city-serviced multi-residential buildings now have organics diversion access.

2. WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAMS: Hazardous waste events and expanded diversion options

Staff said household hazardous waste programming remains a significant part of the system. Rachel told committee, "household hazardous waste programs remain an important part of the system with approximately 17,500 residents participating in 2025 along with new walk up events this year to improve accessibility." Staff also outlined broader diversion efforts, including more three-stream bins in parks and public spaces, reuse and food waste reduction initiatives, and additional diversion events planned for 2026.

3. ILLEGAL DUMPING, CONSTRUCTION WASTE AND YARD WASTE RULES

Committee members asked about illegal dumping after curbside waste restrictions took effect and about whether the city could accept small amounts of renovation debris at the curb. Councillor Wilson Lo asked staff: "One, is there any legislation that prohibits the city from accepting construction rental waste at the curb? Two, other than Carlton Place, are there any other municipalities in Ontario that accept construction rental waste at the curb? Please provide details. And three, what are the options and implications for the city of Ottawa to accept small amounts of construction rena waste at the curb?"

Staff said they have seen the expected increase in dumping and are responding through bylaw, solid waste, parks and road services. One staff member said inspectors have opened dumped bags in parks, identified residents in some cases, and have been able to go back and talk with the residents about how they should be disposing of their waste in an appropriate way. Staff also confirmed that leaf and yard waste can no longer go in the green bin under the current contract and must be set out separately in paper bags or compliant containers.

4. LANDFILL CAPACITY AND FUTURE WASTE TECHNOLOGY

Landfill lifespan estimates and possible future waste processing options drew extended discussion. Councillor Clarke Kelly asked staff, "Can you just clarify on on where the lifespan actually is at now with the the changes and the expected lifespan um given given the report uh uses that that other figure that previous figure without the other changes?" In response, delegate Angela said the report's 9.3-year figure was based on older data and argued that with newer measures and the planned expansion cell, capacity could extend much longer: "the conservative estimate with the new measures that are now underway extends to 2040" and the expansion process "would get us to 2055."

Another delegate criticized any move toward incineration, saying, "It's sobering to see in the report that the city continues to explore what it calls waste energy, but in fact is burning our trash," and argued the projected capital and operating costs should instead be invested in "developing a circular economy in Ottawa."

5. CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND DEPOSIT RETURN

The committee also discussed Ottawa's circular economy work and producer responsibility. Councillor Rawlson King said residents want stronger policy direction, telling staff, "I think what I hear from residents is that they want a policy that would ultimately drive meaningful change, meaningful policy change and isn't just focused primarily as being a communication tool."

The committee later considered a motion asking the province to establish a deposit return system for beverage containers. Councillor Marty Carr said Ontario is "one of only two provinces that doesn't currently have a deposit return system" for containers such as water bottles, pop cans and juice boxes, and said the absence of such a system contributes to litter in streets and parks.

Motions

Passed: - Motion calling on the Province of Ontario to implement a deposit return system for beverage containers - Amendment by Councillor Laine Johnson to add a request for an alternative solution for alcoholic beverage container returns

Attendees

• Councillor Marty Carr
• Councillor Laine Johnson
• Councillor David Hill
• Councillor Theresa Kavanagh
• Councillor Rawlson King
• Councillor Wilson Lo