Waste Diversion in Canada MacKay 2011

WHAT IS WASTE DIVERSION? Waste diversion directs garbage away from landfills or incinerators. Waste management is the process of collecting, processing and disposing of waste.

WHY DIVERT WASTE FROM LANDFILLS? 1. Environmental Benefits 2. Economic Benefits 3. Social Benefits

Environmental Benefits Recycling uses less energy than disposal in a landfill Manufacturing with recycled materials is more energy-efficient than virgin materials Reduces greenhouse gases and toxins emitted from landfills More land is available for agricultural and other uses. Reuse and recycling conserve resources

Economic Benefits Fewer landfill sites are needed, saving the cost of creating new landfills or transporting waste to more distant landfills. Creates jobs: For every 14000 tonnes of waste – Recycling produces 9 jobs, Composting 7 jobs, Landfills only 1 job Generate revenue from selling compost to the community.

Social Benefits Reduced landfill usage improves quality of life in adjacent communities Reduces pollutants and improves health. Waste diversion encourages environmentally sustainable behaviour.

Four Keys to Success 1. Partnerships and Collaboration Can be generated with local citizens, organizations, educational institutions, government Working together ensures greater buy-in and participation in diversion 2. Convenient Options Curbside collection or drop-off centres 3. Policy and Legislation Essential to the effort Example: Bylaws limiting waste disposal, charging for garbage 4. Education and Promotion Inform the public about waste diversion programs and how to participate effectively Reward waste diversion activities

Some ways to divert waste: 1. Recycling 2. Compositing and Vermicomposting 3. Biofuel

Recycling Recycling: the processing of used materials into new products Benefits: More economical - $35 for curbside recycling pickup vs. $80 for curbside garbage pick up to landfills Cuts waste volumes Decreases demands for raw resources Reduces air pollution

Composting and Vermicomposting Composting: organic matter that is piled and left to decompose Vermicomposting: the decomposition of organic matter by worms Benefits: End product can be recycled for fertilizer Gases released from decomposition can be harnessed for energy use via fuel cells Cheap

Vermicomposting Success TerraCycle US based company out of New Jersey Uses recyclables to sell fertilizer made from vermicomposting Has recently extended business into Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, Sweden and Turkey with plans to extend to Germany and France http://videos.howstuffworks.com/planet-green/32716-g-word-worm-poop-video.htm

TerraCycle ‘Up-cycling’ Products

Biofuels Biofuels: the conversion of biomass into solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Example: Bio-ethanol Benefits Renewable Produce less greenhouse gas emission than fossil fuels Biodegradable – contain less toxins Can use agricultural waste and other wastes for production  Less dangerous and less harmful to the Earth’s surface

Kingston Kingston has a waste diversion rate of 44.7% according of Waste Diversion Ontario Goal – 65% http://livework.kingstoncanada.com/en/communityresources/wastemanagement.asp