Durham Region adopted its first Long-Term Waste Management Strategy Plan (LTWMP) in 1999. The goals of the strategy plan have been accomplished and the Region needs a new plan for managing waste for the next 20 years.
In spring 2019, Regional Council directed staff to begin working on a new Long-Term Waste Management Plan 2021 – 2040. Council also endorsed a vision for the new plan that enhances the reduce, reuse and recycle principles and incorporates the vision of waste as a resource in a Circular Economy as a foundation of the plan.
| Guiding principles |
|
Regional Council endorsed guiding principles for the Long-Term Waste Management Plan on January 29, 2020. These principles will help shape the goals of the new plan:
|
| What is a Circular Economy? |
| A circular economy is a closed loop economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of our resources. In this type of system, all waste is recovered and reused to make new products. This approach replaces the current linear product development system where products are made, used and then disposed. |
| What is Extended Producer Responsibility? |
|
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the approach Ontario is using to make companies doing business in Ontario fully financially and operationally responsible for the environmental impact of the products and packaging they produce or import into Ontario. Companies will design collection systems for designated products and manage the end of life recycling or disposal. Currently, tires, electronics, batteries, household hazardous waste and blue box paper and packaging are designated materials. These products are gradually transitioning to EPR. Details about EPR and the consultations being held on its development are found at the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority's website. |
| Next steps |
|
Consultation for the Long-Term Waste Management Plan will start in Spring 2020. Stakeholder engagement will include:
|
Contact Us
