Waste
We create emissions when our organic waste breaks down in landfills and when we treat wastewater.
Where waste comes from in B.C.
Waste can look like household garbage, food waste, littered coastlines or discarded building materials.
Each person in B.C. threw away an average of 501 kg of solid waste in 2019. Industries in B.C. also make waste when they throw away extra materials.
Tracking emissions from waste
We measure emissions from disposing of and burning waste and treating wastewater. We also measure emissions from large wood waste landfills used by industry.
Climate pollution from waste caused 3% of emissions in B.C. in 2021.
Reducing emissions from waste
We’re changing how B.C. gets rid of waste.
By 2030, action taken by the province will have kept 95% of residential food and yard waste out of the landfill.
Circular economy
B.C. is building a circular economy. We’re focusing on sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling materials. This approach pollutes less, keeps waste out of the landfill and makes better use of resources. B.C. is developing a strategy to support industry as we work together to develop a circular economy.
B.C. is taking action
Explore how B.C. is working to clean up the places we live and change the way we handle waste.
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Cleaning our shores
We’re helping remove abandoned or wrecked boats and other marine debris from the shores of coastal communities. This is the largest shoreline debris cleanup in B.C. history.
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Keeping more organic waste out of landfills
We’re funding programs that help B.C. process more organic waste and keep it out of landfills. This is a joint federal and provincial funding program.
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Reducing plastic waste
We’re funding programs that reuse and recycle plastic waste and reduce the creation of new plastic.
