Ontario Sees an Increase in Residential Waste During the Pandemic

The Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) has been working to gather and analyze data from across the city’s municipalities to understand the possible impacts of COVID-19 on its waste and recycling systems. 

In its latest survey results, OWMA reports that for the period of March 9 - April 13, there was a pronounced increase in residential waste compared to the same period in 2019. They characterize this increase as equivalent to more than 600 full garbage trucks.

On the contrary, commercial waste volumes are down. Notably, the reduction in restaurant waste is reportedly down in excess of seventy percent.

OWMA says that its survey efforts “will help governments develop more effective strategies for managing waste flows during COVID-19” as well as be prepared for future emergencies. 

For more information, contact Paul van der Werf Ph.D. (Co-chair, OWMA Waste Diversion Committee) at [email protected]