Waste Management Trends in Canada for 2025: What Businesses Need to Know

The waste management landscape in Canada is evolving rapidly. Here are the key trends affecting your business in 2025.

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Expansion

EPR programs are expanding across Canada, shifting waste management costs from municipalities to producers.

What this means:

  • Packaging producers must fund collection and recycling
  • Potential cost savings for businesses generating recyclables
  • New compliance requirements for product manufacturers

Action: Review if your business qualifies for EPR credits.

2. Single-Use Plastics Ban Implementation

Federal and provincial bans on single-use plastics continue rolling out.

Affected items:

  • Checkout bags
  • Cutlery and straws
  • Takeout containers (in some provinces)
  • Stir sticks

Impact: Restaurants and retail need alternative solutions. Plan for 10-30% higher disposable costs.

3. Organics Diversion Mandates

More provinces are requiring businesses to separate organic waste.

Current status:

  • BC: Mandatory for most businesses
  • Ontario: Expanding organics bans from landfill
  • Quebec: Strict organics separation requirements

Opportunity: Organics collection is often cheaper than garbage. Compliance can reduce costs.

4. Hauler Consolidation

Major waste companies are acquiring smaller regional haulers.

Effects:

  • Less competition in some markets
  • Potential price increases
  • More standardized service offerings

Strategy: Lock in competitive rates now before consolidation reduces your leverage.

5. Technology and Transparency

New technology is improving waste management efficiency:

  • IoT sensors for optimal pickup scheduling
  • Route optimization reducing costs
  • Better tracking and reporting

Ask your hauler: Are they using technology to reduce your costs, or just their own?

6. Rising Disposal Costs

Landfill tipping fees continue increasing 3-8% annually across Canada.

Drivers:

  • Landfill capacity constraints
  • Increased environmental regulations
  • Carbon pricing impacts on transportation

Mitigation: Maximize diversion to recycling and organics to avoid landfill fees.

7. Labor Shortages Affecting Pricing

The waste industry faces significant labor shortages.

Impacts:

  • Service reliability issues
  • Pressure on haulers to increase wages
  • Potential price increases to cover labor costs

Protection: Include service level guarantees in your contract with penalties for missed pickups.

What This Means for Your Budget

Plan for:

  • 5-10% annual cost increases if you don’t act
  • New compliance costs for organics separation
  • Opportunity to save 15-30% with proactive contract management

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Understanding these trends is the first step. Taking action is the second.

WasteWatchers helps you:

  • Navigate regulatory changes
  • Capitalize on new savings opportunities
  • Negotiate contracts that account for future trends

Get your 2025 waste cost forecast →

Last updated: January 2025. Regulations and trends vary by province. Contact us for location-specific guidance.