Three waste bins in front of a green background with a white cityscape silhouette. The black bin on the left is labeled 'GARBAGE' with a trash can icon, the blue bin in the middle is labeled 'RECYCLABLES' with a recycling symbol, and the green bin on the right has an icon suggesting organic waste but no visible label

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Give waste a New Life: Solid Waste Management Master Plan

Thank you for participating in our engagement process. Based on your feedback, City staff presented the updated plan to Council on April 4, 2022.

Waste and how we manage it is constantly changing.

The City is updating its 2014 solid waste management master plan, exploring new and innovative ways we can support our growing community's waste management needs.

We have looked at how new approaches in waste management and consumer trends will shape the future of waste management in Guelph, and how we can improve our current system for a more sustainable future. We also heard from the community on their priorities for waste management in Guelph, the strategies that would help to reduce waste, and perspectives on the issue of single-use plastics.

Guelph is proud to be a leader in waste management. We need to continue to work together to build on Guelph’s leadership in reducing waste to create a plan that meets our needs today and tomorrow.

The updated plan

Waste and how we manage it are constantly changing. The City recently updated the 2014 Solid Waste Management Master Plan (SWMMP) to explore new and innovative ways of supporting our growing community’s waste management needs.

The updated plan provides strategic direction for the next 25 years, including plans to build on Guelph’s leadership in waste minimization and diversion for a sustainable, service-focused and economically viable future-ready community.

Did you know?

According to the Ontario Waste Management Association, landfills in Ontario are expected to reach capacity by 2036. That’s only 15 years away!

Click here to learn how we’re planning to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill in Guelph.

Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.