Ontario Waste Management Association says legislation will kill province’s disposal capacity

The Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) issued a statement July 10 condemning Bill 197, otherwise known as the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act. Specifically, the association warned that the legislation will make it “virtually impossible” for new landfills to be approved by local governments if enacted.

According to the association, “The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act puts the provincial economy and the health of the environment at risk by making it virtually impossible to build new landfills in Ontario. By requiring approval of local councils in municipalities within 3.5 kilometers of a proposed landfill, this legislation essentially scuttles almost every major landfill proposal in Ontario, including projects that are already under review by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.”

OWMA says that the legislation will result in increased waste disposal costs and more limited disposal options, necessitating the need to truck waste to the U.S.

The association says that with the current rate of waste generation and the remaining disposal capacity of 122 million metric tons, Ontario will run out of landfill space by 2032—unless new landfill space is constructed.

Ultimately, the association says that despite the need for local feedback, landfill approvals must come from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks if the region’s waste disposal needs are to be met in the future.

“Given projected population growth and economic trends, and the current amount of waste generated every year, Ontario will need to site 16 new or expanded landfills by 2050,” the association states. “While local municipalities are an important stakeholder in the consultation process, the final approval authority for economically strategic landfills must rest with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

“Ontario is one of the leading jurisdictions in the world when it comes to setting strict environmental and health standards and requirements for new or expanded landfills. Landfill operators are already subject to a rigorous and costly environmental assessment (EA) process, which typically takes 5 to 10 years of consultations and reviews. The Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) is calling on the Ontario government to amend Bill 197 by removing the landfill approval provisions listed in [the legislation], and secure vital waste management capacity for Ontario residents and businesses,” the association concluded.