Why is this measurement important?
Each Canadian generates approximately 2.7 kg of garbage each day. Waste diversion is a vital component of effective recycling and reducing the amount of waste produced. The goal of waste diversion is to divert waste from landfills. Recycling refers to the process of creating a new product from waste materials.
Chatham-Kent residents use a combination of collection and management of waste, recycling, household special waste, yard waste and other selected/designated materials defined by Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO). This involves diverting multiple items from landfill and creating products of value from compostable/recyclable/reusable materials; promoting waste reduction and reuse opportunities; raising awareness of the benefits of recycling/composting; disposing of garbage in an environmentally responsible manner; and maintaining/monitoring closed landfills and other sites producing leachate/methane gas.
Recycling collection is mandated by provincial regulation while the collection of other waste is not. In order to protect local environment and avoid potential health hazards, garbage generated by Chatham-Kent residents should be managed and disposed of in a legal and environmentally responsible manner. Failing to take ownership of our municipal waste and specifically arrange for its disposal at the Ridge Landfill would result in a breach of our Host Community Agreement with Progressive Waste Solutions, thereby resulting in higher waste disposal fees and a loss of revenue equal to approximately $2.6 million annually for the life of the site.
How is this measured?
The number of tonnes of waste diverted from the landfill. Waste diversion is calculated by dividing the amount of waste diverted by the total amount of waste, and then multiplying that number by 100 to get the percentage. In 2018, a total of 34,460 metric tonnes of waste was picked-up in Chatham-Kent. A total of 17,242 metric tonnes of waste was diverted. The waste diversion rate for 2018 is 50%.
What progress are we making?
Global and Provincial markets have changed dramatically over the past two years. Administration and the waste service provider are working together to maintain the average amount we have achieved since 2017.
