County of Simcoe ranked seventh in waste diversion

Simcoe County news release

The County of Simcoe continues to be among the very best in the province when it comes to diverting waste from landfills.

Ranking in the top 10 out of 230 municipalities around the province for the fourth straight year, the County of Simcoe received seventh place in the annual Datacall (Ontario’s standardized waste reporting and calculation process) with a 57.65 per cent diversion rate, up from 56.9 per cent in 2011.

“The continued support and participation of our residents is key to maintaining the County’s high level of diversion success,” said County Warden Cal Patterson. “Our congratulations to other top-ranking waste diverters, including the City of Guelph, with the top diversion rate of 67.72 per cent.”

Rob McCullough, Director of Solid Waste Management, says the results speak for themselves, but insists there is room for improvement. According to 2012 audit data, almost half of curbside garbage in the County of Simcoe comprises materials that could be diverted through existing programs. Data also shows that only 44 per cent of available curbside organics are being captured.

“From a larger blue box to successful mattress and asphalt shingle recycling programs, the County has provided the tools. Our residents have responded positively, resulting in increases to the amount of waste we divert,” said McCullough. “There is a great opportunity for the County to build off our successes and improve participation in existing programs—most notably, green bin organics.”

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.