Ontario Has No Plans for CRD Diversion

Sixty percent waste diversion by 2008. Initially when the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) set this goal in 2004 (see the June 2004 newsletter), there was a flurry of activity and consultation in establishing stewardship programs. Although waste generation is split relatively evenly between the residential and IC&I sectors, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste is one of the largest components of the overall waste stream, diversion programs have focused on Blue Box materials rather than on C&D waste.

In the MOE’s publication, “Ontario’s 60% Waste Diversion Goal – A Discussion Paper”, C&D wastes were identified as a significant, separate component of the waste stream. Instead of developing a diversion program specific to C&D, the Province is relying on two 1994 regulations to maximize diversion rates of this material. The Environmental Protection Act’s O.Reg. 102- Waste Audits and Waste Reduction Workplans and O.Reg.103 – Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Source Separation Programs, aim to reduce wastes (including C&D wastes) from various sectors. These regulations are ineffective since they have not been enforced to any great extent.

Most municipalities in Ontario have done very little with C&D wastes. Current stewardship programs focus on residential Blue Box materials, and municipalities are striving to efficiently increase diversion rates of food and beverage cans, newspapers and other Blue Box materials. Some municipalities do segregate or ban various C&D materials at landfill or provide information on local diversion options in an effort to maximize landfill space.

Currently, there are no plans to designate C&D wastes under the Waste Diversion Act and to develop a provincial program to deal with this material. In fact, programs for recently designated materials such as used oil, tires, and electrical and electronic equipment are struggling to be developed. Then it is expected that other materials, including organics and household hazardous waste, will be considered for designation.

So, over the next few years, the key to C&D diversion will be enforcement of the Provincial regulations. Ironically, diversion of C&D waste would be a significant step to extending the current landfill capacity in Ontario and meeting the 60% goal.

For more information, see “Ontario’s 60% Waste Diversion Goal – A Discussion Paper” - or email Clayton Sampson at csampson@county.oxford.on.ca or phone 519-539-9800 ext. 3114.

(Source: March 2006 WasteWatch)

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