Solid Waste Master Plan
The City is developing a new Solid Waste Master Plan, to be completed in early 2024. The plan will guide how we manage solid waste over the next 30 years. As Ottawa grows and changes, we want to ensure our waste services evolve to meet new needs and challenges. This page will be your hub for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.
Managing solid waste is a shared responsibility, and every resident has a part to play. That’s why, we need meaningful conversations with you to help ensure the new Solid Waste Master Plan works for everyone.
If you require assistance or are experiencing technical problems with this page, please contact us at wasteplan@ottawa.ca.
The City is developing a new Solid Waste Master Plan, to be completed in early 2024. The plan will guide how we manage solid waste over the next 30 years. As Ottawa grows and changes, we want to ensure our waste services evolve to meet new needs and challenges. This page will be your hub for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.
Managing solid waste is a shared responsibility, and every resident has a part to play. That’s why, we need meaningful conversations with you to help ensure the new Solid Waste Master Plan works for everyone.
If you require assistance or are experiencing technical problems with this page, please contact us at wasteplan@ottawa.ca.
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Curbside collections report and new green bin video
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn addition to discussing the 2026 Residential Curbside Collection Contract report, during this morning’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, our team had the pleasure of launching our new green bin video. The video can be found at Ottawa.ca/wastevideos, along with our recycling and garbage videos.
- NEW! Ottawa’s Green Bin Program & Composting Process Explained (3:39)
- What Happens to My Garbage? (5:05)
- What Happens to My Recycling? (4:58)
We hope you find these videos educational and that they inspire you to reduce waste whenever possible.
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Welcome to the new Councillor Sponsors Group
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Solid Waste Planning Council Sponsors Group (CSG) provides vital strategic input, feedback, advice, and guidance to staff in developing and implementing the Solid Waste Master Plan (Waste Plan), as well as other key Solid Waste planning files previously classified as component projects to the Waste Plan.
The CSG represents the public and ensures staff are aware of current thinking and concerns of the community as it pertains to Solid Waste planning projects in addition to acting as Council-experts on various Solid Waste planning files, advocating for the work being done to better Ottawa’s waste management system.Membership
The Solid Waste Planning Council Sponsors Group are made up of the following members:- Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee; Councillor Menard
- Vice Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee; Councillor Carr
- Councillor(s) able to provide rural, urban and suburban representation; Councillor Gower, Councillor Kelly, Councillor Johnson
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A designate from the Mayor’s Office; Scott Moffat, Robyn Guest
The Councillor Sponsors Group is supported by Long-Term and Program Planning, Solid Waste Services, as well as City staff including City Manager’s office who facilitate meetings and lead work on key Solid Waste planning files.
Further background
On July 10, 2019, Council considered the staff report titled, “Solid Waste Master Plan Roadmap” and approved the establishment of a Council Sponsors Group to work with staff on the development of the Solid Waste Master Plan through each phase, as described in the report.
The Sponsors Group reviewed and provided input/feedback on the project plan and detailed timeline, on specific areas for inclusion in reports, on the draft consultation plan, on the draft vision statement, guiding principles, goals and targets prior to consultation, on the proposed options analysis prior to consultation, as well as on the draft and final recommended Plans.
The Public Works Department recommended the re-establishment of the Sponsors Group for this term of Council, to work with staff on the next steps in the Solid Waste Master Plan.
The motion was passed on June 14, 2023 with the first meeting of the re-established CSG on July 18, 2023 at the Trail Road Landfill.
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Council approves new policy to divert waste from landfill
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCity Council today approved a new policy to reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill, that will work towards meeting provincially mandated diversion targets and increasing participation in recycling and green bin programs.
The new policy will allow residents to put out three garbage items every two weeks
- A garbage item can be a garbage bag, a 140-litre container or bulky item. Households can put several smaller bags in containers up to 140 litres.
- There will continue to be no limit to how much residents can set out through curbside recycling and green bins.
Currently, 85 per cent of households are setting out three or fewer garbage items bi-weekly; this recommendation focuses on the remaining 15 per cent of Ottawa households and aims to drive up their diversion efforts.
Staff will look into leveraging its existing Yellow Bag Program to permit residential properties receiving curbside collection flexibility to purchase and set out additional bags. Council also approved a third-party review of its waste-diversion data to ensure staff has the best possible information to support decisions for its Solid Waste Master Plan.
This policy is part of a multi-pronged approach to reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal and extend the life of the Trail Waste Facility landfill, which could reach capacity in 13 to 15 years. The City will consider medium- and long-term options, including alternative technologies, as part of the draft Solid Waste Master Plan this fall.
Staff will report back to Council with an implementation and communication plan before the new program begins, no later than Q2 2024. This report will include strategies to address challenges and mitigate risks, and a comprehensive plan to guide residents through the change.
Council received an update on the transition to the new Provincial Blue Box Program, in which producers will be responsible for collecting and processing recyclable materials from eligible sources. The City will transition to the new program beginning on July 1, 2023, with the transition period ending on December 31, 2025. The City has negotiated an agreement with Circular Materials Ontario to continue collecting recyclables on producers’ behalf throughout the transition period and residents will see no change to their usual curbside recycling service.
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New garbage policy to be decided by Council
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkA new policy to reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill, meet provincially mandated diversion targets and increase participation in recycling and green bin programs will rise to City Council for decision on June 14.
The City’s Environment and Climate Change Committee considered the new policy, which would change curbside garbage collection in Ottawa to a partial pay-as-you-throw program, beginning in Q2 2024. Residents can watch the staff presentation outlining the new policy on the City’s Youtube channel.
The Committee received an update on the transition to the new Provincial Blue Box Program, in which producers will be responsible for collecting and processing recyclable materials from eligible sources. The City will transition to the new program beginning on July 1, 2023, with the transition period ending on December 31, 2025.
The City has negotiated an agreement with Circular Materials Ontario to continue collecting recyclables on producers’ behalf throughout the transition period. As a result, residents will see no change to their usual curbside recycling service during the transition. The City will provide status quo collection on the current schedule and continue to handle customer service inquiries.
Staff propose extending the existing curbside collection contract with the current service providers for the transition period. After the transition period, the contracts for organics and waste collection would be extended a further three months, to minimize potential impacts to service and operations.
Items considered at this meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, June 14.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Curbside Waste Diversion Policy report now posted
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkToday staff held a technical briefing to share the Curbside Waste Diversion Policy report recommendations with Council ahead of the report going to the Environment and Climate Change Committee on June 5, 2023 and Council on June 14, 2023.
The report is now available to the public, here are the links to view the report and its supporting documents:- Curbside Waste Diversion Policy report (English)
- Curbside Waste Diversion Policy report (French)
- Supporting document / appendix 1/A
- Supporting document / appendix 2/B
We would like to take this opportunity to thank residents of Ottawa for your feedback on curbside garbage collection options! As you will see in the report, the feedback received played an important role in shaping the recommendations being presented for Committee and Council consideration.
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Where are we at?
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkResults from Engagement Series 2 and further analyses on the impacts of the various Waste Plan actions are being incorporated into the draft plan. The plan will lay out when each of the 57 actions could be implemented and their potential impacts on the goals of the plan.
A ‘What We Learned Report’ will be posted to Engage Ottawa soon that presents feedback from Engagement Series 2 and details how the feedback was used to adapt the draft plan.
The draft plan will be tabled in Q3 2023 and a final engagement round (Engagement Series 3) will take place in Q4 2023 to obtain input on the draft. Council will consider the final Solid Waste Master Plan that incorporates all the feedback we collected in Q1 2024.
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Engagement Series 2 (“ES2”) has now closed!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City of Ottawa would like to thank all the residents and stakeholders who participated in Engagement Series 2. We heard from over 4,500 residents through the public survey, online dialogue sessions, and focus groups. The feedback received will be used to develop the draft Waste Plan, which will be presented to Committee and Council in Q3 of 2023.
STAY TUNED: A “What We Learned Report” outlining the results from this round of engagement will be posted this upcoming fall. If the draft Waste Plan is approved by Council, the next round of engagement (ES3) will begin in Q4 of 2023.
STAY ENGAGED: Subscribe here to get future notifications related to the Solid Waste Master Plan.
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ENGAGEMENT SERIES 2 (“ES2”)
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkFind below links to the two-pagers for background on the engagement series and how the City will use your feedback:
Public Survey: March 7th – May 8th
Please note: you do not need to sign up or register through Engage Ottawa to participate in the survey. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the survey, please contact us at wasteplan@ottawa.ca.
Do you want to participate in an online survey to provide your input on the Waste Plan options? Survey links and information on the public survey can be found below.
Is there anything I should read before completing the survey?
It is recommended to read the survey consultation toolkit.
Where can I complete the survey?
UPDATE AS OF MAY 9TH: SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED, LINKS HAVE BEEN DISABLED.
To complete the survey, choose the language of your choice below:
- English
- French
- Arabic
- Farsi
- Nepali
- Somali
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Anishinaabemowin
- Inuktitut
Public Meetings and Discussion Groups:
Want to join a public discussion group or information session to learn more and provide feedback on the Waste Plan options? Registration links to sign up for the sessions can be found below. All sessions will be facilitated in both English and French.
REGISTRATION FOR ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS IS NOW OPEN!
Name of Session Date, Time, Location Session Description Registration Link Waste Plan Options: Information Session Monday, March 21
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomThis information session will allow participants to receive more information on the Waste Plan options that will be found in the public survey. The session will also feature a Q&A period so residents can better understand the Solid Waste Master Plan prior to completing the public survey or participating in other discussion groups.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereTaking the lead: City of Ottawa and partners Thursday, March 24
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session will focus on how the City of Ottawa and partners can take action to influence and support community strategies, programs, and incentives towards a circular economy.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereBeyond curbside collection: finding further ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle Monday, March 28
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session will discuss how willing residents are to prioritize the implementation of programs related to reusing, reducing, and recycling. This session will explore the Waste Plan options related to sharing spaces, community reuse events, expansion of the Take It Back! program, food waste reduction strategies, textile waste diversion, temporary drop off depots, and onsite organics.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation here
Out in the public: Bringing change to public spaces, municipal facilities, and events Thursday, April 7
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session will explore options related to how and if the City should prioritize the implementation options related to alternate collection containers, recycling in parks and public spaces, guidelines for waste receptacles at events, and improving City facilities to lead by example.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation here
Options with a Focus on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monday, April 11
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session will focus on the Waste Plan options that relate to reducing green house gas emissions, such as anaerobic digestion (AD), co-digestion, and zero waste City fleet.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereWaste Plan Options: Information Session Wednesday, April 13
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This information session will allow participants to receive more information on the Waste Plan options that will be found in the public survey. The session will also feature a Q&A period so residents can better understand the Solid Waste Master Plan prior to completing the public survey or participating in other discussion groups.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereLet's talk Waste Plan options and Multi-residential properties Tuesday, May 3
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session focuses on the Waste Plan options related to chute closures, multi-residential building development standards, and increasing participation in the Green Bin program. Multi-residential properties are properties with 6 or more units. This session is open to all residents, tenants, landlords, property managers and staff.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereWhat to do with the rest? Exploring residual waste technology options
Thursday, May 5
7:00-9:00PM
Virtual: Zoom
This session will allow participants to better understand and provide input on how far, how fast, and at what cost are residents willing to implement Waste Plan options related to mixed waste processing, mechanical biological treatment, incineration, and emerging technologies to manage non-recyclable and non-compostable waste materials.
CLOSED
Copy of session presentation hereFocus Groups:
Are you a young person, older adult, racialized resident, a new immigrant, person living with disabilities, or a member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community? The City of Ottawa is organizing smaller group information sessions to discuss the Solid Waste Master Plan Options. The structure of the focus group will be an information session on the Waste Plan options, a period for question and answers, followed by a small discussion on how the Waste Plan options directly impact your community. If you are a member of this community and would like to attend a focus group, please register below:
Name of Session Date, Time, Location Registration Link Immigrant and BIPOC (racialized residents) focus group Thursday, April 14
6:00PM-7:30PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED Persons living with disabilities focus group Wednesday, April 20
7:00-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
Older adults focus group Friday, April 22
11:00AM-12:30PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
Youth focus group Thursday, April 28
5:30PM-7:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
2SLGBTQQIA+ focus group Thursday, April 28
7:30PM-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
Councillor Hosted Engagement Sessions:
Ward - Councillor Date, Time, and Location Registration Link Ward 5 - El-Chantiry
Ward 6 - Gower
Ward 9 - Egli
Ward 23 - HubleyThursday, April 21
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
Ward 14 - McKenney
Ward 15 - Leiper
Ward 17 - MenardMonday, April 25
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
Ward 4 - Curry
Ward 10 - Deans
Ward 16 - Brockington
Ward 18 - Cloutier
Monday, May 2
7:00PM-9:00PM
Virtual: ZoomCLOSED
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Where we are at and how engagement feedback will be used
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn 2021 Council approved the plans vision, guiding principles and goals. A long list of options was also developed in 2021 to meet the needs and gaps of the City’s current waste management system. That long list was then evaluated using an approach that looked at the environmental, social and financial considerations of each option. We are now engaging on the resulting short list of options.
Which Options Made It to the Short List?
We started with a Long List of Options which were evaluated using a triple bottom line evaluation tool and short-listed. To see which options made it through, and which ones didn't, see Table 4 in the Evaluation Memo.
How will feedback be used?
Feedback from the public will be used to help develop a “system” of options that will be included in the draft Waste Plan. This feedback will be considered alongside:
- input from internal stakeholders at the City.
- the results of a financial analysis of the options. This will explore how affordable the options are and what the impact could be to Ottawa residents.
We will also need to consider:
- any changes to provincial and federal government legislation that could have an impact on how we implement some of the options (for example, the federal government’s single-use plastics ban)
- any lasting impacts on the waste generation habits of Ottawa’s residents due to COVID-19.
- the implementation timing of some options may not be as flexible due to contract restrictions, approval process, construction timelines etc.
Next steps
- A “What We Learned” report will be developed to outline what was learned through Engagement Series 2 and how feedback will be used.
- In Q1 2023, staff plan on tabling the draft Waste Plan for Committee and Council’s receipt.
- Once complete, staff will undertake the third and final Engagement Series for the project, which will include consulting with Councillors, residents and key stakeholders on the proposed final Waste Plan before it is presented to Committee and Council for consideration in Q2 2023.
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Engagement Series 2 Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkEngagement Series 2 of the Solid Waste Master Plan will be starting in March 2022 and we can’t wait to hear from you! We will be hosting a variety of themed dialogue sessions, focus groups and an online survey, topics covered include:
- New and creative ways to avoid, reduce, and reuse waste
- Multi-residential properties’ green bin use
- How to improve our recycling programs
- How we manage garbage and recycling in City parks
- Role of technology and innovation
- Financial considerations
- Turning waste into renewable energy
- Education and enforcement
We want to know how far, how fast, and at what cost we should go.
Engagement will run 5 weeks and we will ask about various Waste Plan options, presented in the Phase 2 report.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the project.
Lang switch
Who's Listening
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Program Manager, Long Term Planning, Solid Waste Services, Public Works Department
City of Ottawa
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Project Manager, Environmental Program, Solid Waste Services, Public Works Department
City of Ottawa
Timeline
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Solid Waste Master Plan roadmap approved by Council
Solid Waste Master Plan has finished this stageJuly 2019
Council approved the scope and framework for the development of the City of Ottawa’s 30-year Solid Waste Master Plan.
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Phase 1: Where We Are
Solid Waste Master Plan has finished this stageFebruary to April 2020
We’ll share information on the development of the Solid Waste Master Plan, including a series of backgrounders coming in February and March on some of the key issues.
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Phase 2: Where We Are Going
Solid Waste Master Plan is currently at this stageMay to June 2020
Engagement Series 1: We engaged with the public on the current system and got input to help inform a vision and guiding principles for the plan.
June 2021
Staff tabled recommended vision, objectives and guiding principles for the strategy for Council’s Consideration.
March to May 2022
Engagement Series 2: We presented options and recommendations for the plan and sought further comment and feedback from the public.
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Phase 3: How We Will Get There
this is an upcoming stage for Solid Waste Master PlanQuarter 3, 2023
Staff to table draft strategy and short-term implementation plan for Council’s consideration before final round of public engagement.
Quarter 4, 2023
Engagement Series 3: Public engagement on the draft Waste Plan and short-term implementation plan.
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Approval of final Solid Waste Master Plan
this is an upcoming stage for Solid Waste Master PlanCouncil will consider a final Solid Waste Master Plan that incorporates all the feedback we collected. Councillors are anticipated to vote on that plan in 2024.
Curbside Garbage Collection Options
Technical Memorandums
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Technical Memorandums
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Current State System Summary (4.27 MB) (pdf)
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Current State System Summary - Appendices (2.68 MB) (pdf)
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Legislative Review (2.19 MB) (pdf)
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Comparative Scan of Municipal Strategies, Practices and Initiatives (1.88 MB) (pdf)
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Review of Policies and Trends (2.22 MB) (pdf)
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Waste Management Technologies and Approaches (1.96 MB) (pdf)
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Long-Term Waste Management Needs (5.06 MB) (pdf)
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High Level Long List of Options (7.82 MB) (pdf)
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Evaluation Process (1.74 MB) (pdf)
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Phase 1 Report
Technical Memorandums - Executive summaries
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Technical Memorandums – Executive Summaries
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Current State System Summary – Executive Summary (504 KB) (pdf)
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Legislative Review – Executive Summary (373 KB) (pdf)
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Comparative Scan of Municipal Strategies, Practices and Initiatives - Executive Summary (364 KB) (pdf)
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Review of Policies and Trends - Executive Summary (380 KB) (pdf)
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Waste Management Technologies and Approaches - Executive Summary (377 KB) (pdf)
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Technical Memorandums
Documents
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Why is the Waste Plan needed and what are the key considerations? (181 KB) (pdf)
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What will be included and how will the Waste Plan be developed? (198 KB) (pdf)
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Bioplastics and their management (207 KB) (pdf)
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Current Waste Management System (317 KB) (pdf)
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions (169 KB) (pdf)
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Key Challenges for Multi-Residential Waste Management (570 KB) (pdf)
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New and emerging technologies in waste management (159 KB) (pdf)
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Plastics and their Management (184 KB) (pdf)
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The Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (176 KB) (pdf)
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The Role of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments (297 KB) (pdf)
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Waste Management Trends and Challenges (238 KB) (pdf)
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Waste Processing and End Market Challenges (201 KB) (pdf)
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Glossary.pdf (163 KB) (pdf)
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Arabic (772 KB) (pdf)
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ES2 Documents
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French (674 KB) (pdf)
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Somali (656 KB) (pdf)
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Spanish (653 KB) (pdf)
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Chinese (712 KB) (pdf)
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Nepali (766 KB) (pdf)
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Farsi (788 KB) (pdf)
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Anishinaabemowin (671 KB) (pdf)
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Inuktitut (725 KB) (pdf)
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English (731 KB) (pdf)
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Survey_InformationSheet_EN.pdf (129 KB) (pdf)
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2021 03 21_SWMPEngagement_InformationSession_ENFR.pdf (640 KB) (pdf)
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2022-03-24_TakingtheLead_ENFR.pdf (535 KB) (pdf)
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2022-03-28_BeyondCurbsideCollection_ENFR.pdf (548 KB) (pdf)
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2022-04-07_Out in the public_ENFR (676 KB) (pdf)
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2022-04-11_Reducing GHG Emissions_ENFR.pdf (782 KB) (pdf)
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2022-04-13_Waste Plan Information Session_ENFR.pdf (643 KB) (pdf)
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2022 05 03_MultiResidentialProperites_Presentaton.pdf (728 KB) (pdf)
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2022-05-05_Residual Waste_ENFR.pdf (861 KB) (pdf)
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Solid Waste Master Plan Short-listed Options.pdf (317 KB) (pdf)