Should New Brunswick Cap Organic Waste Going to Landfills?
Official title: Province-wide Organics Program
New Brunswick wants to create a province-wide organics program that would limit how much food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials end up in landfills. Right now, about 30% of everything in the province's landfills is organic waste—from households, restaurants, grocery stores, and institutions like schools and hospitals.
Why This Matters
Got a green bin? You might soon. This could change how every New Brunswick household handles food scraps and yard waste. Restaurants, grocery stores, and apartment buildings would also need to separate organics. The goal is to make landfills last longer and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
What Could Change
New regulations could require households and businesses to separate organic waste from regular garbage. Municipalities might need to offer curbside organics collection. Businesses like restaurants and grocery stores could face mandatory composting requirements.
Key Issues
- Should organic waste sent to landfills be capped province-wide?
- How should households and businesses be required to handle organic waste?
- What role should the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors play?
How to Participate
- Read the initial engagement document (PDF) to understand the proposed program.
- Review the infographic on landfill impacts (PDF) for background on why this matters.
- Send your feedback by email to wd-rd@gnb.ca by the deadline.