Study Overview

The purpose of this undertaking is to process - physically, biologically, and/or thermally - the waste that remains after the application of the Region's at source waste diversion programs in order to recover resources - both material and energy - and to minimize the amount of material requiring landfill disposal. In proceeding with this undertaking only those approaches that will meet or have emissions less than the regulatory requirements will be considered.

The Challenge

Durham Region and York Region face growing concerns:

• Blue Box recycling and Green Bin and Yard Waste Composting still leaves waste to be managed
• Exporting waste to Michigan for landfill disposal is not sustainable over the long-term
• A "local" solution to managing Durham and York’s residual waste is needed

In order to meet these challenges, a study of waste disposal alternatives was initiated.

The Opportunity

There is an opportunity to:

• Recover recyclables not captured through curbside Blue Box collection
• Recover energy from residual waste that cannot be recycled
• Share costs for the planning, development and operations of a facility between municipalities.

The joint study allows for high planning costs to be shared so costs are less for each municipality. A larger facility will be more efficient and cost less per tonne. The same total residues, discharges and emissions result from one facility serving several municipalities as from several individual facilities in each respective community.