Agenda (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20260420Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Revised Agenda
Date:Monday, April 20, 2026
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
Note: Added items are marked with an asterisk (*).
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 23,
2026
1
That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 23, 2026, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
*7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager, Energy and Environment; Re:
Corporate Waste Audit and Reduction Plan Update
6
(Presentation to be provided by Katie McMillan, Manager of Waste
Analytics and Development, AET Group Inc.)
That the memorandum regarding Corporate Waste Audit and
Reduction Plan Update be received; and
1.
That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments2.
regarding Corporate Waste Audit and Reduction Plan Update be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further
action as appropriate.
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Public Works; Re: Waste Program and
Recycling Update
30
That the memorandum regarding Waste Program and Recycling
Update be received; and
1.
That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments
regarding Waste Program and Recycling Update be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, February 23, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Ron Weese (Chair)
Victor Carvalho
Shun Chen*
Jason Cheng
Angela Daust
Leta Dayfoot
Denis Heng
Ken Turriff (Vice Chair)
Members Absent: Alain Godin
Other Attendees: Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager of Parks and Fleet*
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2026 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Jason Cheng
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
October 20, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Program Manager, Energy and Environment; Re: Draft
Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study
Staff introduced Janice Ashworth, Senior Consultant, and Alex Hill,
Partner, Dunsky Energy before providing a brief overview of the evolution
of the Feasibility Study to the Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program Design
Study. Janice reviewed the study's main objectives, recapping the main
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2026 3
sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Aurora, identifying the
demographic characteristics of energy poverty and retrofit barriers, and
reviewing recent changes to various multi-level government and utility
program initiatives. Multiple short-, medium- and long-term initiatives, both
individual and in collaboration with various levels of government, were
outlined, along with funding resources to address the inadequacy of
natural gas emissions reduction efforts.
The Committee inquired about loan and grant options geared to low-
income households, marketing efforts to piggyback on existing energy-
efficiency programs and utilize local social networks to reach the target
audience.
Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns regarding the publication
of household energy ratings and their accuracy, as well as energy data
collected by the Town being shared with the Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (M.P.A.C.), which could adversely affect home
valuation. Feedback was provided that the homeowner will maintain the
ability to opt-out or update energy ratings, as per a national energy
standard.
The Committee requested further details on the reliability and return -on-
investment of heat pumps and the optimal energy upgrade time for
homeowners, as well as alternate solutions through partner programs to
achieve the Town's retrofit targets. It was noted that knowledge barriers
will be targeted through a variety of awareness methods to incentivize
households.
The Committee further inquired on the availability of natural gas
consumption details through home energy retrofit programs pre- versus
post-retrofit, as well as historical data available from the federal
EnerGuide program.
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the memorandum regarding Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program
Design Study be received; and
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2026 4
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Draft Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: The Protection and
Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural
Significance
Staff provided an overview of the program to be presented to Council at
an upcoming meeting regarding the inventorying of Aurora's significant
heritage trees and employing preservation, commemoration and potential
lineage redistribution to continue their legacy. Staff noted that various
revenue generation opportunities are also to be considered.
The Committee provided suggestions on location of commemorative
plaques as well as providing protection to the root systems from future
development in the immediate area of identified trees. Staff noted that
setbacks will be incorporated into the new program.
The Committee inquired whether heritage tree designation would extend
to trees on privately-owned land. Staff responded that legalities limit the
Town's ability to protect those trees but current penalties are being
reviewed, and the Private Tree Protection By-law will be updated in 2027 in
order to strengthen the protection of significant trees located on privately-
owned land.
The Committee queried how invasive tree species will be managed and
how the heritage tree inventory will be generated and maintained. Staff
provided details that the current significant tree inventory is regularly
updated and will include a public call-out to provide an opportunity for the
public to add new tree locations.
Moved by Leta Dayfoot
Seconded by Ken Turriff
1. That the memorandum regarding The Protection and Commemoration
of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural Significance be
received; and
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Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2026 5
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding The
Protection and Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold
Natural and Cultural Significance be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about tracking of waste diversion, and to what location
recyclables will be taken, with the province awarding the recycling contract to
Circular Materials. Additionally, concerns were shared relating to the closure of
multiple Beer Stores in Ontario and the effect it will have on recycling and waste
diversion. Staff commented that Amanda Cutler, Coordinator Waste/Recycling
will attend a future meeting.
The Committee shared concerns regarding the lack of clearing of some storm
sewers and ponds, which could lead to an increased risk of flooding, and queried
how the Town may account for climate change and new development, and how
maintenance may be affected due to the shortfall on infrastructure funds. funds.
The Committee inquired about how tree canopy projections may have changed
based on recent tree losses on private property, and staff provided a response.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Angela Daust
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Carried
Page 5 of 57
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Planning and Development Services
Re: Corporate Waste Audit and Reduction Plan Update
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Date: April 20, 2026
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Corporate Waste Audit and Reduction Plan Update
be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding Corporate Waste
Audit and Reduction Plan Update be received and referred to staff for consideration
and further action as appropriate.
Background
The Town’s latest five-year Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan (ECDMP)
includes the quantification of GHG emissions from Town-owned facilities, fleet,
water/wastewater facilities, street lighting and from corporate waste generation. Solid
waste sources from corporate sources including facilities, parks and public waste
receptables. Quantification of solid waste generated at the Town under the 2024
ECDMP was based on desk-top estimations. Performing physical waste audits to
improve accuracies and to create a targeted reduction plan for corporate waste was
identified as an action item in the 2024 ECDMP.
Analysis
The Town retained the consulting services of AET Inc. to perform the waste audits and
develop the reduction plan. The project commenced in December 2025 with the study
completion date planned for May 2026. The project consists of the following elements:
Page 6 of 57
Corporate Waste Audit and Reduction Plan Update
April 20, 2026 Page 2 of 2
1. Undertaking a review of relevant regulations and trends that may impact corporate
solid waste management practices and circular economy and how they impact the
Town’s corporate reduction plan.
2. Reviewing best practices and undertaking a comparative analysis from other
municipalities and corporations to inform the reduction plan.
3. Performing solid waste audits at selected Town-owned locations including at
facilities, parks and other public receptacles.
4. Developing a baseline inventory of corporate solid waste and 2050 projections.
5. Developing a solid waste reduction plan that aligns with the Town’s 2024 ECDMP
net-zero by 2050 target, including an implementation plan, monitoring strategy and
financial impacts.
The following Town locations were selected for the waste audit:
Facilities:
Joint Operation Centre
Stronach Aurora Recreational Complex
Aurora Senior Centre
Aurora Town Hall
Aurora Town Square
Parks, roadside receptacles and Town-run events:
Arboretum Trail and Lambert Wilson Park
Aurora Town Park
Edward Coltham Park
Fleury Park
Machell Park
Roadside receptacles along Yonge Street and Wellington Street (5 locations)
Arctic Adventure – (Town run event held on February 16th)
Attachments
none
Page 7 of 57
TOWN OF AURORACORPORATE WASTE AUDITS AND REDUCTION PLANTOWN OF AURORA 2026Page 8 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026PROJECT INTRODUCTIONPage 9 of 57
CORPORATE WASTE AUDITS AND REDUCTION PLANTOWN OF AURORA 2026Measure corporate waste and emissionsImprove data accuracy and reportingIdentify diversion opportunities and inefficiencies Deliver practical, cost-effective reduction planProject ApproachTM1Review & Baseline Waste InventoryTM2Waste Audit, Reduction Strategy & Implementation PlanKey ObjectivesPage 10 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026TOWN FACILITIES AND AUDIT LOCATIONSPage 11 of 57
CCORPORATE WASTE AUDITSTOWN OF AURORA 2026Waste Audit LocationsLocation Names Corporate Facilities•Joint Operations Centre (JOC)•Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex•Aurora Town Hall•Aurora Senior Centre•Aurora Town SquarePublic Bins•Parks (Leisure Complex (Arboretum Trail And Lambert Park), Edward Coltham Park, Fleury Park, Machell Park)•Roadside bins (5 bins selected, mainly on Yonge St, between Wellington St and Church St)Town Event•The Arctic Adventure (February 14 & 16)Page 12 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026OVERVIEW OF CURRENT WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMPage 13 of 57
STAFFCORPORATE FACILITIESOUTDOOR SPACESINDOOR EVENTSCORPORATE & PUBLIC EVENTSOUTSIDE FACILITIES, PARKS, ROADSEXISTING CORPORATE DIVERSION PRACTICESTOWN OF AURORA 2026REF: CORPORATE WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY•Reusable tableware, linens, glassware and utensils through contractor•No bottled water (water coolers and paper cups)•If disposable items are required, they must be compostableOUTDOOR EVENTS•Food vendors required to use compostable tablewareRIBFEST•Two main waste stations with 3 streams•Problem with contamination – GFL puts all in garbage streamVENDORS•Corporate E-waste collection and disposal; managed by IT•Ink cartridge recycle program•Three stream waste bins with signage; high contamination rates•Water bottle refilling stations•Successful cardboard recycling program with GFL•Successful Senior Centre composting program•No supply of plain bottled water in vending machines; flavoured water available•Vending machines sell reusable bottlesDOG WASTE PILOT PROJECT•Three stream receptacles•Some garbage only•Maintenance/landscaping material sent to JOC compost system•In-ground waste receptacles installed in 11 park/trail locations•Approx. 30 tonnes per annum diverted from landfillPage 14 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026SOLID WASTE AUDITSPage 15 of 57
Location Garbage Audited (kg)Recycling Audited (kg)Organics Audited (kg)Diversion Rate (%)Capture Rate (%)Joint Operations Centre (JOC)8411730Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex30 15 0 1 1Aurora Town Hall3511214Aurora Senior Centre14 3 2 23 26Aurora Town Square17 9 0 5 6WASTE AUDIT RESULTS OVERVIEWTOWN OF AURORA 2026*Numbers have been rounded; percentages reflect diversion and capture rates based on actual values Page 16 of 57
Term Symbol DefinitionSuccessfully DivertedWaste materials that can be redirected from landfill through recycling, composting, or reuse programs.Successfully Disposed Waste that cannot be redirected from landfill through diversion programs and is disposed of in landfill.Unsuccessfully DivertedThis term refers to both Blue Box and green cart items being disposed of in the garbage or showing up as contamination in the wrong diversion program.DEFINITIONSTOWN OF AURORA 2026Page 17 of 57
Successfully Diverted, 17%Successfully Disposed, 43%Paper, 6%Plastic, 3%Metal, 1%Organics, 30%Unsuccessfully Diverted, 40%JOINT OPERATIONS CENTRETOWN OF AURORA 2026Total Annual Waste Generated: 4,894 kgPage 18 of 57
Successfully Diverted, 1%Successfully Disposed, 26%Paper, 17%Plastic, 14%Metal, 1%Organics, 41%Unsuccessfully Diverted, 73%STRONACH AURORA RECREATION COMPLEXTOWN OF AURORA 2026Total Annual Waste Generated: 16,218 kgPage 19 of 57
AURORA TOWN HALLTOWN OF AURORA 2026Total Annual Waste Generated: 2,390 kgSuccessfully Diverted, 12%Successfully Disposed, 16%Paper, 27%Plastic, 8%Metal, 2%Organics, 34%Special Waste, 1%Unsuccessfully Diverted, 72%Page 20 of 57
AURORA SENIOR CENTRETotal Annual Waste Generated: 6,792 kgTOWN OF AURORA 2026Successfully Diverted, 23%Successfully Disposed, 10%Paper, 13%Plastic, 3%Organics, 51%Unsuccessfully Diverted, 67%Page 21 of 57
AURORA TOWN SQUARETOWN OF AURORA 2026Total Annual Waste Generated: 12,057 kgSuccessfully Diverted, 5%Successfully Disposed, 17%Paper, 34%Plastic, 10%Metal, 2%Glass, 1%Organics, 30%Yard Waste, 1%Unsuccessfully Diverted, 78%Page 22 of 57
LocationsResultsAurora Town Park - Arctic Adventure Data review in progressLeisure Complex (Arboretum Trail and Lambert Park)Data review in progressEdward Coltham ParkData review in progressFleury ParkData review in progressMachell ParkData review in progressOld Post Office – Wellington Street NorthData review in progress15222 Yonge Street (walkway to Temperance)Data review in progressYonge St. and Church StreetData review in progressYonge St. and MosleyData review in progress15213 Yonge Street (old Town hall)Data review in progressPARK, ROAD, & EVENT RECEPTACLESTOWN OF AURORA 2026Page 23 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026ONGOING MONITORING FRAMEWORKPage 24 of 57
CORPORATE WASTE AUDITSTOWN OF AURORA 2026• ONGOING WASTE AUDITS FOR FACILITIES AND PUBLIC BINS IS RECOMMENDED EVERY 1-3 YEARS• 1 YEAR IS BEST PRACTICE• METHODOLOGY TO FOLLOW PREVIOUS WASTE AUDIT PROCESSES FOR REPEATABILITY AND COMPARABLE RESULTS• CONTINUED DATA MANAGEMENT OF DOG WASTE PROGRAM• REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY• ON-SITE PROGRAM MONITORING • INTERNAL REPORTING AND ESCALATION FRAMEWORKPage 25 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA 2026WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGY OVERVIEWPage 26 of 57
STRATEGY PRINCIPLES AND ALIGNMENT•ALIGN WITH NET-ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2050•FOLLOW WASTE HIERARCHY, PRIORITIZING WASTE REDUCTION/ AVOIDANCE/ PREVENTION•FOCUS ON OPERATIONALLY FEASIBLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS•PROPOSED EDUCATION AND OUTREACH•INTERNAL STAFF AWARENESS OPPORTUNITIES•PUBLIC-FACING MESSAGING•ROLE OF SIGNAGE, DIGITAL TOOLS, AND EVENTS•ADDITIONAL REDUCTION STRATEGIESTOWN OF AURORA 2026Page 27 of 57
DDISCUSSION POINTSWhat is your experience with corporate waste bins in public spaces (ie. Town facilities, parks, and roads)?What education tools do you think would be most impactful to the public in terms of proper waste diversion at Town locations?What do you think is working in terms of the Town’s corporate waste management practices? What are areas of improvement?What strategies can the Town explore to increase successful waste diversion at corporate locations?Page 28 of 57
THANK YOUTOWN OF AURORA 2026AET GroupKatie McMillankmcmillan@aet98.comPage 29 of 57
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Operational Services
Re: Waste Program and Recycling Update
To: Environmental Advisory Committee
From: Dan Naccarato, Manager of Public Works
Date: April 20, 2026
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Waste Program and Recycling Update be received;
and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding Waste Program
and Recycling Update be received and referred to staff for consideration and further
action as appropriate.
Background
The Town of Aurora continues to implement a range of waste management programs
and initiatives aimed at reducing waste generation, increased diversion rates, and to
support the municipalities broader environmental sustainability objectives.
This update is to provide the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) with an overview
of current waste management initiatives and key program updates including:
Key waste initiatives
Overview of 2026 waste events
Update on upcoming waste collection contract
Review of 5-year waste trends
Overall diversion performance
Dog waste diversion
Look ahead at future initiatives
This update is intended to provide the Committee with a high-level overview of the
Town’s waste management activities and support ongoing discussion regarding
Page 30 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling Update
April 20, 2026 Page 2 of 2
opportunities to enhance waste diversion and environmental stewardship within the
community.
Attachments
1. Attachment 1: Presentation - Waste Program Overview
Page 31 of 57
TOWN OF AURORA, OPERATIONAL SERVICESWaste Program OverviewEnvironmental Advisory CommitteeApril 20, 2026Page 32 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateOutline•Key Waste Initiatives•Waste Events•Waste Collection Contract•5-Year Waste Trends•Dog Waste Diversion•Looking AheadPage 33 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateContext & Purpose – Program OverviewThe Town manages curbside waste, organics, yard waste, bulky items/white goods, and supports education and events.Purpose of the presentation:•To provide an update on Aurora’s waste program and performance•To outline recent initiatives•To highlight community events•To review upcoming changes to the waste program including the 2027 contractPage 34 of 57
Key Waste InitiativesPage 35 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateKey Waste InitiativesxRecycle Coach app xUpdated Waste & Recycling Collection GuidexBlue Box transition to Producer ResponsibilityxPublic education & outreach campaignsxCorporate Waste AuditxRain BarrelsxEventsxBattery recyclingxTextilesThe Town continues to support, promote and implement many key waste initiatives including:Page 36 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateRecycle Coach & Digital ToolsxPersonalized collection schedulesx“What Goes Where” search toolxPush notifications for service changes/and event remindersxQR code integration in 2026 collection guideWaste Collection AppStay up-to-date on collection days and have your waste questions answered in one place!What does Recycle Coach offer?Page 37 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateBlue Box TransitionxCircular Materials now oversees recyclingxGFL continues collection under new frameworkxExpected benefits: oLower contaminationoStandardized recycling rulesoImproved material recoveryhttps://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/aurora/Provincial Recycling Program OverviewPage 38 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateEducation & OutreachSocial media messaging, website, public notice boards, digital media, curbside signage.How we educate, promote and connect with our residentsxCurbside Giveaway DaysxSeasonal reminders (yard waste, holiday waste)xContamination reduction messagingxPublic Information Centres (PICs) for 2027 contractxEventsxProper waste set outWhat are we promoting?Page 39 of 57
Waste EventsPage 40 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateWaste Events OverviewxCurbside Giveaway Days – The last weekend of each month from April to OctoberxE-waste events - May 9 and October 3xCommunity Clean Up – April 25 and September 19xCommunity Garage Sale - May 30xRepair Café - March 28Current Events for 2026Page 41 of 57
Waste CollectionContractPage 42 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateBackground•Aurora part of Northern Six (N6) municipalities•Reviewing future waste collection options•Public Information Centre (PIC) held on September 24, 2025•Resident survey•Aligning service levels across municipalities•Automated cart and Manual collection under consideration•New contract set to be in place by January 2029Next StepsReview comments from PICDevelop the RFP documentIssue and evaluate RFPAward ContractImplement new waste collection contractWE ARE HEREPage 43 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateKey ConsiderationsxCost stabilityxService level improvementsxAutomated vs. Manual collectionxImpacts of producer responsibilityxOrganics program enhancements including multi-residential and Aurora facilitiesxContamination reduction opportunitiesChanges, additions and considerationsPage 44 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdatePublic EngagementxPICs held in 2025xSurvey feedback collected until October 17, 2025xThemes from residents: oDesire for consistencyoInterest in automated cartsoConcerns about cost and storage spaceoOverall satisfied with existing serviceoOptions for choice in cartsSurvey ResultsPage 45 of 57
5-Year Waste TrendsPage 46 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateExisting Solid Waste Management ServicesCurbside Source Separated Organics•Weekly collection•Includes residential, some multi-residential, and municipal facilities•Curbside Source Separated organics collected in 2025: 5,092 tonnesCurbside Garbage / Large Items•Collected every-other-week•3-container limit/3 bag limit•Bag tags required if over the limit•$5 per Bag Tag•Curbside garbage collected in 2025: 5,215 tonnes Curbside Yard Waste•Collected every other week, April to November•Christmas trees collected in January•Curbside yard waste collected in 2025: 3,009 tonnes Metal Items / Large Appliances•Starting in 2026 large items, metals and appliances will not automatically picked up at the curb •Residents will need to schedule a pick-up directly with GFL•Curbside large metal appliances collected in 2025: 19.08 tonnesPage 47 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling Update5-Year Waste Trends Overview01000200030004000500060007000Green Bin (organics) Yard Waste Garbage5-Year Waste Trends20212022202320242025TonnesPage 48 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateGreen BinWhat we know so far about food wastex60% of food in Canada is wastedxFood wasted in Canada generates as much greenhouse gases as 2.1 million cars on the road (Love Food Hate Waste)xIn Canada, the average household wastes over $1,300 per year of good food that could have been eaten (Love Food Hate Waste)xThe Region reporting Canadians are wasting less foodxIn 2025, more than 108,000 tonnes of green bin waste were collected and composted from over 424,000 York Region householdsxResidents are also choosing another option to dispose their organic materials through backyard composting.Source:https://www.york.ca/environment/garbage-and-recycling/compost-and-green-binProgram Overview•Green bin (organics) are collected weekly•Material is delivered to a transfer station in York Region where its gathered and transported to contracted composting facilities in Ontario•Materials accepted include: food products, paper products, personal hygiene products, pet waste, other compostable products. Page 49 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateGarbage TrendsxYork Region residual waste to energy-from-waste: xThe facility accepts 30,000 tonnes annuallyxProduces approximately 14 megawatts of power (powers about 10,000 homes)xAurora household garbage is decreasing each year since 2021xOpportunities: oIncreased organics participationoReduced contamination/bag limits and Bag Tag programoMulti-residential improvementsPage 50 of 57
Dog Waste DiversionPage 51 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateDog Waste DiversionxNumber of dog waste bins installed – currently 23xAnnual tonnage diverted: 27,770 kg since 2021Plans for the future:x2026 - add three more locationsx2027 - add five more locationsx2028 – another five locationsBenefits: xReduced landfill methanexCleaner parks- odour reduction in waste receptaclesxHigh capacity – reducing servicing frequencyxHigher diversion ratesChallenges/Considerations: xContamination (garbage in dog waste bins)xRequires vertical-lift truck servicingxWeather conditions – frozen or snow covered In-ground waste containmentPage 52 of 57
Opportunities forImprovementPage 53 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateOpportunities for ImprovementxIncrease green bin participationxExpand textile and e-waste diversionxImprove multi-residential waste managementxPilot food waste reduction programsxUpdate the Waste By-lawxEducation – Circular economy, the 4+ R'sxReduce RepairxReuse RefusexRecover RethinkxRecycle RefillPage 54 of 57
Looking AheadPage 55 of 57
Waste Program and Recycling UpdateWhat’s NextxContract decision timelinexContinued alignment with York Region Circular Economy StrategyxPotential pilot programs: oSmart binsoAI contamination detectionoMulti-residential organicsxEnhanced digital tools and resident engagementxRecycling in ParksxStreetscape promenade outcome – molok, traditional garbage cans? xAdditional eventsLooking ahead – what’s next for Aurora’s waste program?Page 56 of 57
Thank Youhttps://www.aurora.ca/wastePage 57 of 57