The City of Greater Sudbury predicts that their three landfills will reach capacity in approximately 25 years if residents do not modify their waste disposal habits. Renée Brownlee, the city’s environmental services director, highlighted that about 30 percent of landfill contents consist of organic waste that could be diverted to composting facilities. Despite the city’s green bin program being available since 2009, only 40 percent of eligible low-density households actively participate.
Over the years, the participation rate in the green bin program has fluctuated. In 2018, only 27 percent of eligible households took part, but this number increased after the city enforced a two-bag limit for garbage collection every two weeks. Currently, green bin and blue bin pick-ups occur weekly in the city.
Brownlee emphasized the importance of increasing organic waste diversion to extend the lifespan of landfills. She mentioned that if the community maximally diverted all eligible materials, the landfill lifespan could potentially double. However, establishing a new landfill would cost a minimum of $200 million and requires approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, a process that could span over a decade.
To boost green bin program participation, the city is considering two options. One proposal involves mandating clear garbage bags for household waste, a low-cost initiative proven to increase waste diversion rates in other municipalities. Another option being explored is implementing a pay-per-use system, where residents would pay for each garbage bag used.
Encouraging green bin use not only extends landfill longevity but also aids in reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Greater Sudbury currently harnesses some methane produced at the main landfill site to generate electricity, but not all methane is captured. Additionally, the city tests and sells compost that meets safety standards, further promoting sustainable waste management practices.