There is more organic and recyclable waste in the average garbage bag than there is garbage!
Figuring out what to do with our garbage is a big decision, but there's a lot that we can do to reduce garbage in the first place.
Two-thirds (66%) to 89% of what Toronto households put out in their garbage bag could be recycled, composted or reused in Toronto's waste diversion programs. If you consider new and emerging recycling technology and markets, that number could go even higher!
(TEA analysed data from City of Toronto residential waste audits from single family homes and multi-unit buildings performed in 2010 and 2011)
The good news is that increasing diversion doesn't cost a lot: Toronto residents could be recycling and composting a lot more of their waste with simple education and outreach.
This goes to show that when we talk about what to do with our "garbage" we can't forget to talk about reducing our garbage - getting the recycling and compostables out of the garbage first. That's the cheapest and easiest way to deal with a rapidly-filling landfill!
Read more about Toronto's Long Term Waste Plan.