York Region achieves top marks with 92% of waste diverted from landfill

July 04, 2025
Evidence-based waste strategies deliver on sustainability goals through a strong focus on reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering waste

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York successfully diverted 92% of waste from landfill in 2024, surpassing York Regional Council’s 90% target for the 8th consecutive year. York Region’s diversion rate includes all waste collected through local municipal curbside programs, waste depots and energy from waste.

“The progress highlighted in this report demonstrates the success of our collective waste reduction strategies and reinforces our shared vision of a healthy, sustainable community,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “Through ongoing innovation and circular investments, we are building a resilient future for all. We sincerely thank our residents for their continued commitment and collective efforts in reducing waste – your actions are making a meaningful difference.”

The 2024 Annual Waste Management Report summarizes York Region’s waste diversion and reduction initiatives and progress made to advance the Integrated Waste Management Master Plan (SM4RT Living Plan). Highlights from 2024 include:

  • Managing 365,302 tonnes of waste, including local municipal curbside waste, organics, recycling, yard waste, waste depot diversion programs and energy-from-waste
  • Launching the SM4RT Living Plan five-year review to improve customer experience, ensure infrastructure resilience and strengthen community partnerships
  • Expanding reuse and repair efforts
  • Advancing permits and construction on the Convertus Biofuel Facility
  • Continuing advocacy and planning for transition of the Blue Box program to full producer responsibility

"Year-after-year, York Region leads the way in building a more sustainable future," said City of Richmond Hill Mayor, David West, Chair of Public Works - Environmental Services. "Through continued development of our Circular Economy Roadmap, we are maintaining momentum and shaping a model of community development that balances economic vitality, environmental stewardship and social well-being for generations to come."

York Region is recognizing Plastics-Free July, an international effort to raise awareness and drive action to reduce negative impacts of single-use plastics on the environment. Reduce your single-use waste by choosing reusable options, shopping with less packaging, using bulk stores and refilleries and bringing our own containers, bags and utensils.

York Region’s SM4RT Living Plan has a visionary goal of a world in which nothing goes to waste and includes an objective to inspire people across the Region to embrace SM4RT Living and advance the circular economy. Learn more about York Region’s programs to help reduce waste at york.ca/Waste

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

-30-

Media Contacts

Tineil Armstrong, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Email: @email

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 437-997-682
Email: @email