Waste
We create climate pollution 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 pollution from waste
We measure climate pollution from disposing of and burning waste and treating wastewater. We also measure climate pollution from large wood waste landfills used by industry.
Climate pollution from waste caused 5% of pollution in B.C. in 2020.
Reducing pollution 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.
Reducing plastic waste
We’re funding programs that reuse and recycle plastic waste and reduce the creation of new plastic.
Learn more about phase three of the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund.
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 clean-up in B.C. history.
Learn more about the new targets for B.C.’s largest coastline cleanup.
Processing more organic waste
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.
