Organic waste diversion in Canada

Solid waste management is becoming an increasingly pressing issue with the rise of land constraints, concern over environmental degradation, and pressures to recover resources. Cities across Canada are turning to organics as an important waste component to target for diversion. This study investigates the nature of current comprehensive organic waste programs in mid-sized Canadian cities. A case study analysis highlights the three forms of centralized composting used in Canada: source-separated, mixed waste, and hybrid systems. These case studies illustrate the common elements for a successful organics program as well as their constraints and risks. A policy analysis of the organic diversion systems points out the key criteria and factors a municipality needs to determine and discuss in the process of selecting an organics strategy.