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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Ontario Faces Increased Pressure on Waste Management
Ontario's environment minister, Todd McCarthy, has announced that the province is considering burning more garbage for energy and constructing additional landfills in response to a new United States tariff on Canadian trash. These comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week introducing a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian garbage exported to the United States. The new measures are expected to go into effect within a few days.
US Tariff Puts Spotlight on Landfill Capacity
The United States has long served as a destination for Canadian trash, particularly from Ontario. According to a 2024 report from Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Canada sent more than three million tonnes of garbage to Michigan in 2024 alone. With the newly imposed tariff, the cost and feasibility of trash export to the U.S. are called into question, prompting Ontario to address its own landfill capacity and waste management strategies.
Environment Minister Urges Quick Action
Environment Minister Todd McCarthy highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that Ontario's landfills will be full within ten years under current conditions. In light of the new tariff, McCarthy warned that the province’s landfills could reach capacity in as little as five years. He emphasized the need for immediate action to address this issue and did not specify how many new landfills or garbage incineration centers may be required.
Potential Expansion of Landfills and Energy Recovery Initiatives
McCarthy said he is hopeful that municipalities will collaborate in the construction of new landfill sites or incineration centers aimed at energy recovery from garbage. However, he acknowledged that, if necessary, the province may have to require cities to host these waste management facilities to prevent landfill overflow.
Collaboration and Future Outlook
The introduction of the 50 per cent tariff on Canadian trash significantly impacts Ontario's waste management plans. The province is now exploring landfill expansion and increased garbage incineration as possible solutions to increase landfill capacity and handle the growing volume of waste independently. McCarthy reiterated the importance of acting swiftly and working with municipalities to adapt to these evolving circumstances.
Background: Changing Landscape for Trash Export
Ontario's reliance on cross-border waste disposal has been a key component of its waste management system for years. The new US tariffs have quickly shifted the landscape, making alternative solutions such as domestic landfill expansion and garbage incineration for energy recovery more urgent priorities for the province.
Source: cbc.ca.
