Solid Waste Diversion

Indicator Type: Stewardship

This indicator shows the Alberta trend in diverting waste from disposal through recycling or other activities such as composting. It includes waste from many sources that have been classified as either residential or non-residential. The non-residential sector includes waste from commercial, industrial, institutional, construction, demolition and renovation sources.

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Trend:Improving

What does the indicator show?

This indicator shows that waste diversion rates are steadily increasing in Alberta. The Alberta residential sector currently has a waste diversion rate of 28%. This is the fourth highest rate in Canada. Other sectors have not achieved the same success. The non-residential sector currently has a diversion rate of 16%. Waste diversion initiatives focused on the non-residential sector would assist in raising this indicator.

However, the waste disposal rate has also been increasing. Waste disposal rates increased approximately 6% each year from 1996 to 2004 (see figure) and can be attributed to population growth and economic activity in Alberta.

In 1996, Alberta ranked relatively low nationally in waste diversion (see figure), but the diversion rate has steadily been increasing, and is now close to the national average.

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Why is this indicator important?

Waste diversion is linked to clean and productive land. Diverting waste minimizes the land required for disposal sites for solid waste. Landfills also affect groundwater and soil. This impact is reduced when more waste is diverted.

Waste diversion rates closely reflect attitudes to waste and recycling. They are also tied to current economic activity, and to available facilities and programs for recycling and recovery. A higher waste diversion rate is a sign that Albertans want to reduce the impact that waste has on the environment.

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What actions are being taken?

Specific programs have been developed in Alberta that focus on high-volume wastes such as construction, demolition and organic wastes. Programs have also been established to focus on "problem" waste, such as household hazardous wastes. Special stewardship programs deal with other materials such as used oil, tires, electronics and beverage containers.

New waste diversion initiatives for various industry sectors are continually being identified and initiated. Alberta Environment is working to obtain detailed statistics from landfill operations on waste disposal and diversion. This will help to provide better monitoring of waste diversion initiatives.

As well, a comprehensive provincial Waste Strategy is being developed. This strategy will provide guidelines that can be used to develop a more effective waste handling and diversion system.

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Links to additional information

More about waste in Alberta - Alberta Environment: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/index.html

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Feedback

E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/
survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.

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