Waste Strategy
Beyond Waste: our vision for what’s next
2026-2051
A 25-year roadmap to improve diversion, support system efficiency and plan for Niagara's long-term waste management needs. It includes 23 key actions, phased implementation and measurable targets to guide progress over time.
23
Key actions
~480,000
Residents and businesses served
190,000
Tonnes of waste processed per year
Vision: Leading the way in sustainable and innovative waste management services, to support a thriving community for generations to come.
Six goals guide the strategy
Optimize system
Optimize waste management resources and infrastructure.
Recover resources
Increase beneficial recovery of material from waste.
Reuse materials
Increase beneficial reuse of materials.
Increase participation
Increase participation in waste management programs.
Pursue zero waste
Strive to be a zero waste community.
Reduce emissions
Reduce the carbon footprint of the waste management system.
Four targets track our progress
Targets and baselines will be refined as data improves.
01
Contribute to Niagara Region’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2050.
02
Increase capture of organic waste by 10 per cent by 2035.
03
Increase the number of multi-residential properties participating in the Green Bin program by 10 per cent by 2035.
04
Maintain the average rating of critical waste management assets in fair condition or better.
Addressing organics and food waste in Niagara
Thousands of Green Bins are rolled to the curb each week across Niagara, and while usage in single family households has grown to about 60 per cent in 2025, more action is required. Waste audits show that 42 per cent of what’s placed in the garbage is actually organic material — food scraps, pet waste, tissues — that could have been composted instead of buried in a landfill.
Avoidable food waste, such as uneaten fruits, vegetables or forgotten leftovers, still makes up 19 per cent of what is found in the Green Bin. Reducing this requires greater awareness about food planning, proper storage and simple habits to prevent edible food from becoming waste.
23 actions across six categories
The strategy’s 23 actions are grouped into six categories and phased in over time, from 2025 through 2046, to ensure a balanced and manageable approach.
Waste education
2 actions
Helping residents better understand waste programs and services, including new digital tools and guides.
Policies and by-laws
3 actions
Updating guidelines for waste management, including design standards for new developments and invesigating funding options for depots, landfills and collection programs.
Waste reduction and reuse
5 actions
Keeping more materials out of the landfill through food waste, multi-residential, construction and single-use plastics initiatives, plus community repair and reuse programs.
Waste collection and diversion
3 actions
Better understanding the types, quantities and sources of materials to improve collection programs and management of waste.
Processing and disposal infrastructure
5 actions
Making sure materials that can't be reduced or reused are managed sustainably, from drop-off depots to long-term disposal and organics processing planning.
Innovation
5 actions
Exploring new technology and research, such as smart bins, climate-ready planning and partnerships with local institutions to make waste management more efficient.
Learn more about the strategy
The Waste Strategy will be implemented in three stages to ensure actions are rolled out in a manageable and effective way by balancing resources, focusing on what’s needed first and staying flexible.
The strategy will be reviewed every five years, or sooner if there are significant legislative changes, changes to our waste management program or new data.