Waste management is a significant issue for big cities like Toronto. With a growing population and an increasing amount of waste produced every day, the city has to come up with innovative solutions to handle this problem. In this article, we will discuss several strategies and initiatives that Toronto has implemented to tackle waste disposal and management while moving towards becoming a zero-waste city.
Composting for Organic Waste
Composting is one of the best ways to manage organic waste and reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfills. In 2019, Toronto launched the Green Bin program, which collects organic waste from households and transforms it into compost. Under this program, residents could get a small green bin at no extra cost and dispose of organic waste like food scraps, paper towels, and yard waste.
So far, the program has been a success, with 107,000 tonnes of organic waste collected in 2020. This translates into lesser garbage in landfills, lower methane emissions, and the production of nutrient-rich compost that could be used in gardens, parks, and farms. This initiative is a win-win for the environment and the residents of Toronto since it helps reduce waste, saves money, and promotes sustainable practices.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework is based on the principle of holding manufacturers responsible for their products throughout their entire life cycle. EPR shifts the responsibility of managing waste from the municipality to the producer or the brand and incentivizes them to come up with innovative packaging and waste reduction strategies.
Ontario is set to implement EPR starting January 2023, as part of its roadmap to becoming a zero-waste province. Under this program, producers of packaging and paper products will be responsible for collecting, managing, and recycling their products and pay fees based on their environmental impact. This program will help reduce waste, lessen the burden on landfills, and encourage producers to use more sustainable materials and designs.
Waste Reduction Community Grants
The City of Toronto offers community grants to promote initiatives that divert waste from landfills and encourage sustainable practices. These grants support community-based projects that focus on reducing waste, recycling, reusing, or composting, and spreading awareness about environmental issues.
These grants are open to non-profit organizations, community groups, and schools, and the funding could go up to $25,000 per project. Some examples of initiatives that have received funding include repair cafes, zero-waste education, community gardens, and waste audits. By empowering and supporting these grassroots initiatives, the city is moving towards its goal of reducing landfill waste by 90% by 2040. To further enhance your learning experience, we encourage you to visit the suggested external website. You’ll find additional and valuable information on the topic. https://we-haul.ca/demolition-greater-toronto-area/, expand your knowledge!
Conclusion
The future of waste management in Toronto is promising, with several initiatives and programs already in place. By promoting composting, implementing EPR, and supporting community-led projects, the city is moving closer to its vision of becoming a zero-waste city. Yet, there is still a long way to go, and there are many challenges to overcome. However, with the right strategies, attitudes, and collaborations, Toronto could pave the way for sustainable waste management practices and inspire other cities to follow suit.
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