15 Facts and Statistics About Waste in Canada

1. Canadians Produce 31 Million Tonnes of Waste Annually

Canada is one of the highest waste producers in the world, generating approximately 31 million tonnes of waste each year. That's about 2.7 kilograms of waste per person every single day!

2. Only 30% of Waste is Recycled

Despite various recycling programs, only about 30% of the waste Canadians generate is actually recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or incinerated, highlighting a significant opportunity for improvement.

3. Canada’s Largest Landfill Covers 450 Acres

The Keele Valley Landfill in Ontario, which closed in 2002, is the largest landfill in Canada. At its peak, it covered 450 acres and held around 28 million tonnes of waste.

4. E-Waste is Growing Fast

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing type of waste in Canada. In 2019 alone, Canadians discarded nearly 725,000 tonnes of e-waste, including old phones, computers, and TVs.

5. Food Waste is Staggering

Canadians waste nearly 2.2 million tonnes of edible food every year. That’s enough to feed millions of people and highlights a massive inefficiency in our food system.

6. Canada's Landfills Emit 20% of National Methane Emissions

Landfills are responsible for approximately 20% of Canada's methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change.

7. Plastic Waste Crisis

Canada produces roughly 3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet less than 10% is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, waterways, and ecosystems.

8. Single-Use Plastics Ban

In response to the plastic waste crisis, Canada has implemented a ban on certain single-use plastics like straws, stir sticks, and plastic bags, with the goal of reducing plastic waste.

9. Household Hazardous Waste

Every year, Canadian households produce around 160,000 tonnes of hazardous waste, including batteries, paint, and chemicals, which require special handling and disposal.

10. Construction Waste is Massive

The construction industry is responsible for about 12 million tonnes of waste annually in Canada. This includes materials like wood, metal, and concrete.

11. The Recycling Industry is Huge

Canada's recycling industry is valued at over $2 billion, employing more than 30,000 people across the country in sorting, processing, and repurposing waste.

12. Illegal Dumping Costs Millions

Illegal dumping of waste costs Canadian municipalities millions of dollars each year in cleanup efforts. It's a significant issue in both urban and rural areas.

13. Canada’s Zero Waste Initiatives

Cities like Vancouver are leading the charge with Zero Waste initiatives, aiming to reduce waste to landfill by up to 90% through aggressive recycling and composting programs.

14. Mattress Disposal Challenge

Canadians dispose of around 600,000 mattresses each year, and because they are bulky and not easily recyclable, many end up in landfills, taking up massive space.

15. Recycling Depots on the Rise

To combat waste, Canada has seen a significant rise in recycling depots and eco-centers where residents can drop off items like electronics, cardboard, soft plastics, hazardous waste, and bulky items like appliances for proper disposal.

Why Choose Haul Star Disposal?

At Haul Star Disposal, we understand the importance of responsible waste management. Whether it’s removing junk from your home or recycling electronics, we’re committed to doing our part to keep Canada clean and green. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of residents and businesses in the Greater Vancouver area, ensuring that your waste is handled efficiently and with care. Let us take the burden off your shoulders—contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your junk and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.