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 biodegradable materials end up in landfills. Right now, about 30% of everything in provincial 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 program could change how every New Brunswick household handles food scraps and yard waste. Businesses like restaurants and grocery stores would also face new rules. The upside? Landfills last longer and produce fewer greenhouse gases.
What Could Change
New Brunswick could set caps on how much organic waste can go to landfills. That likely means mandatory composting programs for households and businesses. Restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and hospitals may need to separate their food waste. New collection services could roll out across the province.
Key Issues
- Should organic waste sent to landfills be capped?
- How should households and businesses handle organic waste differently?
- What should a province-wide organics program look like?
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 to wd-rd@gnb.ca by the deadline.