A New Chapter in the World of Waste

It’s been a long road for Waste Services.

More than 2 years ago, we started a process to determine the best way to move forward with waste management in Edmonton.

Now, after researching best practices, conducting internal assessments, considering over 30,000 points of input from 2 rounds of public engagement and receiving feedback from the Edmonton Cart Rollout to 8,000 homes—we have a clear path forward. On September 10, City Council approved the 25-year Waste Strategy and accompanying reports.

“This is the beginning of a new era for Waste Services in Edmonton,” says Michael Labrecque, Branch Manager, Waste Services. “We’ve worked hard to build a plan that will help divert waste from landfill, in a way that works for Edmontonians. Now, we’re excited to put that plan into action.”

What’s Next?

Beginning in 2020, a 4-stream waste collection system will be rolled out in phases to single-unit residences. More information will be provided to residents as details solidify. 4-stream waste collection includes:

• A 120L green cart for organics (primarily kitchen scraps, topped up with yard waste)
• A black cart for residual garbage (residents will initially receive a 240L cart, with the option to exchange it later for a 120L cart at a reduced rate)
• Recyclables collection in blue bags
• Seasonal yard waste collection in paper yard waste bags, twice in the spring and twice in the fall

By the end of 2021, all single-unit Edmonton residences will receive 4-stream collection. Soon, planning and consultation will begin to develop new approaches to waste for condos and apartments and the commercial sector.

The 25-year Waste Strategy uses a Zero Waste Framework. This doesn’t mean we’re aiming to divert 100 percent of waste right now; our waste diversion goal remains 90 percent. Rather, Zero Waste implies a system that is constantly improving, with a strong focus on waste reduction. With that goal in mind, next steps will include developing rules to restrict some single-use plastic items, and supporting waste reduction-focused community programming.

But How Much Will It Cost?

Changes to waste services will be funded by small rate increases of about 2.5 percent per year for the next three years. Without changes to how we manage waste, it is likely that these rate increases would be higher. The Waste Services fee is included on EPCOR bills.

Learn more about the Future of Waste in Edmonton.