50% of the waste at Sudbury’s landfill could have been diverted

The lineup at the Sudbury Landfill. (Photo from livestream)

It appears not enough residents in Greater Sudbury are using the city’s green cart program

Results from the 2025 waste composition study were released Monday and and the city says it found 89 million kilograms of waste collected from September 2024 to 2025 missed a 50 percent diversion opportunity.

The study revealed over 9.1 million could have gone in the green cart with 4.8 million directed to a blue box.

“The green cart provides the largest opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and extend the lifespan of the landfill,” city officials said.

“We know that our city landfills are going to be full in approximately 25 years, and there’s very little capacity left in Hanmer and Azilda.”

“In order to replace a landfill site it takes 10 to 15 years and that’s if the ministry gives you the approvals,” said Renee Brownlee, Director of Environmental Services at Greater City of Sudbury.

Brownlee said the cost of a new landfill is approximately $200 million, while an incinerator would cost $450 million.

here.