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County of Simcoe among provincial leaders in waste diversion

April 21, 2022   ·   0 Comments

Provincial data from 2020 showed that the County of Simcoe has placed second out of 98 municipalities with a 64% waste diversion rate.

This is the County’s highest diversion rate since recording began in 2006.

“It is clear from this most recent data, that County residents and businesses are working hard to divert materials and preserve our environment for future generations,” said County 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, Direct of Solid Waste management, said he 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,” Mr. McCullough said. We continue our 14-year streak of increasing diversion rates. However, more that 50 per cent of what we throw away curbside could be diverted within our existing programs, particularly organics. 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.”

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 data set will be analyzed and a final review will be reported to Council.

By Brian Lockhart


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