York Region achieves highest 2023 diversion rate in Ontario

July 05, 2024
94% of waste diverted and continued progress towards environmental sustainability and circular economy

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York achieved 94% diversion from landfill in 2023, exceeding York Regional Council’s goal of 90% waste diversion from landfill for the 7th consecutive year. York Region’s diversion rate includes all waste collection through local municipal curbside programs, waste depot diversion programs and energy-from-waste.

“York Region continues showcasing its unwavering commitment to waste reduction and diversion," said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “With each passing year, we steadfastly pursue our vision of a world where nothing goes to waste, setting a remarkable example for communities far and wide and a sustainable future for our residents.”

The 2023 Annual Waste Management Report summarizes York Region’s diversion and waste reduction initiatives and highlights progress made on implementing the Integrated Waste Management Master Plan (SM4RT Living Plan).This includes:

  • Successfully navigating legislative changes, including preparing for the Blue Box Program transition to full producer responsibility and finding alternatives to single-use items
  • Using resources and infrastructure more strategically to achieve SM4RT Living, including contracting construction and operation of a state-of-the-art biofuel facility to manage organics and produce renewable natural gas
  • Inspiring people across York Region to embrace SM4RT Living and advance the circular economy through the Circular Economy Initiatives Fund and helping businesses reduce reliance on single-use items

“York Region and local municipalities are making strong progress on all goals in the waste management report,” said City of Richmond Hill Mayor, David West, Chair of Public Works - Environmental Services. “We are expanding efforts to reuse and repair items, helping shift towards a circular economy and securing long-term organics processing locally.”

York Region monitors progress towards waste reduction targets set in the SM4RT Living Plan by tracking amounts of waste households put out at the curb. Learn more about York Region’s programs to help reduce waste at york.ca/Waste

2023 Key waste facts

  • 44,640 tonnes of blue box materials were sorted and marketed to be made into new products
  • 105,479 tonnes of green bin organics were processed into compost, biogas and fertilizer 
  • 1,197 tonnes of household hazardous waste were safely managed 

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contacts

Kristina Ohan, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
@email

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 437-997-6821
@email