Council received the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) and approved the 2024 Solid Waste Services budget

On December 6th, Council received the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) and approved the 2024 Solid Waste Services budget. The budget includes items to support the ongoing implementation of the Curbside Diversion Policy and the Multi-residential Diversion Strategy, two component projects of the SWMP that were advanced early to increase the diversion rate of household organics and recyclables.

The next step in the SWMP process is Engagement Series 3 which will be held virtually and in-person in Q1 2024.

Council also approved the recommendations to initiate the Environmental Assessment process for the Trail Waste Facility Landfill (TWFL) expansion and provided direction to begin the feasibility study for Waste-to-Energy Incineration and Mixed Waste Processing.

The expansion of the landfill (within its current footprint) will extend the life of this asset while providing time for the recommended SWMP reduction and diversion actions to reduce waste going to landfill, which will extend the life of the facility even further providing time for City Council to make a decision and implement the City’s next solution.

The Waste-to-Energy and Mixed Waste Processing feasibility study will examine the differing opportunities and pros and cons of each technology compared to traditional landfilling. The study will examine the technologies in the Ottawa context and analyze their social, environmental and financial implications. The results of the feasibility study and business case will be used to help choose the most sustainable, long-term residual garbage management option for the City.