Waste

Managing the region’s waste is a core responsibility of Metro Vancouver. There are many opportunities to integrate climate action into waste management. For example, Metro Vancouver promotes aggressive waste reduction campaigns, and has set an ambitious goal of an 80% recycling rate. Transitioning to a circular economy further reduces waste, and associated emissions. Read on to learn more about climate and waste management.

Looking for more detail on our waste management-related strategies?

Download the Climate 2050 Solid Waste Primer

Solid waste disposal and climate change

Solid waste disposal contributes less than two per cent of Metro Vancouver’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Disposal emissions include methane released as organic waste decomposes in landfills, and carbon dioxide from combustion of inorganic waste at the Waste-to-Energy Facility. Thanks to improved landfill gas capture systems and increased organics recycling, disposal emissions have already declined significantly since 2010.

Projected emissions from Metro Vancouver solid waste disposal through 2050

Our climate goal and how we’re getting there

By 2030: 45 per cent reduction in GHG emissions from solid waste disposal (relative to 2010 levels).

The majority of our region’s waste is disposed at the City of Vancouver’s landfill. It is projected that this target will be met as a result of continuous improvements to the City of Vancouver’s landfill gas management system.

By 2050: Achieve a carbon-neutral solid waste system — no net emissions from disposal of solid waste generated in our region.

Current and future actions that help us reach our goal

Metro Vancouver’s journey to a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient solid waste system centers on reducing emissions through circular economy, waste prevention, and recycling initiatives. With a regional recycling rate of 65 per cent, and over two-thirds of organic waste diverted annually, the region already avoids significant methane emissions.

While recycling remains important, the highest priority is preventing waste and supporting a circular economy, including extending the life of products through reuse and repair.

An updated solid waste management plan for the region will look to further reduce regional emissions related to management and disposal of solid waste. Learn more about Solid Waste Management Plan Update.

Emission reduction projects

What can I do?

While reaching our goals will require a number of significant systems-level changes, there are also many things residents can do every day:

Reduce and Reuse – Explore Metro Vancouver’s Repair and Re-Wear, Create Memories Not Garbage, and What's Your Superhabit campaigns
Be Mindful of Food Waste – Visit Metro Vancouver’s Food Scraps Recycling Program and Love Food Hate Waste Canada
Recycle – Use Metro Vancouver’s Recycling Search Tool

Waste is one of Metro Vancouver’s ten Climate 2050 priorities.

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