RDN Waste Composition Studies

The 2004 Waste Composition Study guided the development of Zero Waste programs and policies resulting from the 2005 Solid Waste Management Plan. The study identified compostable organics (food waste and compostable paper) and construction/demolition waste as the largest components of waste by weight being landfilled. These materials were targeted for diversion from the landfill through residential food waste collection (the Green Bin Program), and disposal bans on Commercial Food Waste and Clean Wood Waste.

The 2012 Waste Composition Study is a key tool in the current process to update and review the region's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). The study's findings have been used to assess the effectiveness of Zero Waste programs in diverting landfill waste and opportunities for improvement.

Objectives of the 2012 Waste Composition Study

• Determining the composition of solid waste being disposed of by material type;
• Completing a detailed characterization of the various waste streams delivered to the RDN's solid waste facilities for disposal: curbside residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) and self-haul;
• Providing insight into the waste generated by multi-family buildings ;
• Comparing the 2012 waste stream composition with the 2004 study; and
• Compiling data using methods that enable greater comparability with studies completed in other BC jurisdictions.

2012 Waste Composition Study: Key Findings

Per Capita Waste Landfilled in Kilograms: 2004 Vs 2012

As the chart above illustrates, significant progress has been made by diverting wastes from the landfill, which were targeted in the 2004 SWMP. Compostable Organics (food waste and compostable paper) have decreased by 31 per cent and Building Materials (construction/demolition waste) have decreased by 19 per cent compared with 2004 levels.

The 2012 Waste Composition Study determined that as much as 35 per cent of waste currently being landfilled could be composted and 20 per cent could be recycled. By emphasizing existing waste diversion programs, improvements could be realized in the following sectors:

• Research indicates recycling rates for multi-family dwellings are lower than single family homes. This could be improved with more education on the recycling opportunities for multi-family residents.
• Food and organic waste remains the largest source of commercial/institutional garbage. Greater participation from this sector could divert more of this waste to local composting facilities.
• Single family homes now divert more than 60 per cent of their garbage from the landfill through curbside food waste and recycling collection. Food waste and recyclable material remain the largest component of residential waste and more can be captured through curbside programs. Residents could also divert more by using Product Stewardship depots for material such as used electronics and refundable beverage containers.