County of Simcoe among provincial leaders in waste diversion

The County once again records outstanding residential waste diversion rates. In late 2021, provincial data from 2020 showed the County placed second out of 98 municipalities, with a 64% diversion rate. This is the County's highest diversion rate since recordings began in 2006.

"It is clear from these most recent data, that County residents and businesses are working hard to divert materials and preserve our environment for future generations,” said Warden George Cornell. “We’re pleased to see that the County of Simcoe is leading the way in its diversion efforts. Ranking second of 98 municipalities demonstrates that we’re moving in the right direction and that our innovative and convenient waste services are meeting the needs and expectations of our residents.”

Rob McCullough, Director of Solid Waste Management, is very optimistic about these results, while recognizing room for improvement. “These results show that our solid waste management practices are having the desired impact. We continue our 14-year streak of increasing diversion rates. However, more than 50 per cent of what we throw away curbside could be diverted within our existing programs, particularly organics. So, there is still much work to be done, and we will continue to provide education on our diversion programs and promote the importance of separating materials," said McCullough.

In addition to improved curbside diversion rates, the County has also seen great success at its waste drop-off facilities, where 18 innovative programs for different materials, including asphalt shingles, have diverted more than 66 per cent of drop-off materials from landfill.

In late 2021, the County also moved to automated cart collection to pick up residential waste and upon completion of the curbside waste audits occurring this summer, the full dataset will be analyzed, and a final review will be reported to Council.