Waste
Recycling Q: Will recycling change?
Waste reduction and landfill capacity Q: Why is Norfolk County focusing on waste reduction? A: Landfills across Ontario are approaching capacity, with an estimated 10 years of landfill space remaining province-wide. Without significant changes, municipalities may face higher costs and environmental impacts from transporting waste longer distances or developing new landfill sites. Norfolk County does not have its own landfill and relies on a private landfill within Ontario for its disposal needs. Q: Will the program help reduce landfill use? A: Yes. The 2024 waste audit showed that 42–46% of residential garbage is organic waste that could be diverted through composting. By introducing a green bin program and reducing the garbage bag limit, Norfolk County aims to divert more waste from landfill, extend landfill lifespan, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Q: What happens if we don’t reduce waste? A: If waste continues to grow unchecked, Norfolk may face higher disposal costs, environmental risks, and limited landfill options in the future. Q: Is this part of a provincial initiative? A: Yes. The Government of Ontario wants communities to send less waste to landfills and recycle and compost more. Norfolk County’s new waste collection program supports this goal by: • Starting a green bin program for food and organic waste • Expanding yard waste collection • Reducing the number of garbage bags allowed each week These changes help protect the environment and follow the province’s direction to make waste management more sustainable.
A: Recycling will continue on a weekly basis using the two-bin system, but it’s important to note that this service is no longer operated by Norfolk County. Under Ontario’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, producers are now responsible for managing and funding the residential recycling system. While the current collection method remains the same, changes may occur after the full transition to EPR. Norfolk County will continue to share updates as the program evolves. Costs and budget impacts Q: Why is the cost of waste collection increasing? A: The previous curbside waste collection contract was awarded in 2017. Since then, costs have risen significantly due to inflation, labour shortages, higher vehicle and equipment costs, and market pressures across Ontario. Q: How much will the new program cost? A: The estimated cost for the first full year of the new program is $7.99 million, which is $2.75 million less than originally projected. This will result in a 2.8% increase to the net levy requirement. Q: When will the new cost take effect? A: The increase will be phased in: • 2026: $1,016,500 added to the budget (an approximate 0.8% increase) due to the contract starting in September • 2027: $2,759,100 added (impact is still to be
determined, likely less than 2.0%). Q: Are carts included in the cost?
A: Yes. The County will invest $5,029,000 to procure garbage and green bin carts. This cost will be fully funded by investment income from the Legacy Fund, meaning no impact to the tax levy.
For the latest updates and tips, visit norfolkcounty.ca/WasteChanges.
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