THE Vancouver Landfill will continue to serve the Metro Vancouver region as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible disposal option until approximately 2050, without increasing the agreed area or height of the landfill.
The landfill was previously expected to close as early as 2030. Extending the life of the landfill by 20 years results in more than $300 million in avoided future tipping fees for residents and businesses, as well as new investments in Burns Bog enhancement and conservation.
“Being able to extend the life of the Vancouver Landfill is a win for the entire region,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Boards of Directors, on Thursday. “We are proud that our region has one of the highest recycling rates in North America, and we will continue working hard with our partners at the City of Vancouver and City of Delta, and across the region, to manage waste in a responsible and cost‑effective way.”
Metro Vancouver has one of the highest recycling rates in North America at 65 per cent. After waste reduction and recycling, about one million tonnes of garbage need to be disposed each year. Of that, about 65 per cent goes to the Vancouver Landfill, 25 per cent to the Waste-to-Energy Facility in Burnaby, with the remainder transported to remote private landfills.
The life of the landfill can be extended because more volume is available within the existing footprint than previously estimated due to settlement and optimized operations. Since future filling will occur within the landfill’s current footprint, there will be no significant additional environmental impacts from extending the life of the landfill.
“If the landfill were to close as early as 2030, residents in the region would experience added costs, uncertainty, and the environmental impacts of shipping more waste to remote landfills,” said Sarah Kirby-Yung, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee. “We will continue to work toward reducing waste and finding effective, sustainable long-term disposal solutions beyond 2050.”
The Vancouver Landfill is located in the City of Delta and owned by the City of Vancouver. An agreement between Metro Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Delta recognizes the important role the facility plays by providing a cost-effective solution for managing garbage left over after all efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The agreement includes new Metro Vancouver investments of $10 million, plus $500,000 per year over the life of the landfill, toward Burns Bog enhancement and conservation. Areas no longer used for landfilling will also be available for beneficial use.
“The City of Vancouver is proud that this important asset will continue to serve the region, providing cost effective and environmentally responsible disposal well into the future thanks to the City’s foresight in solid waste planning,” said City of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
“This agreement underscores the value of regional collaboration. For Delta residents, it delivers continued financial contributions to the community along with new opportunities for the responsible and productive use of closed sections of the landfill site as operations continue,” said City of Delta Mayor George V. Harvie.
The landfill has operated since 1966 and is a key part of Metro Vancouver’s solid waste management. The City of Vancouver will continue to responsibly manage and operate the landfill.
Metro Vancouver oversees regional solid waste planning and management, including regulating private facilities and operating public recycling and waste centres. The region continues to strive toward zero waste and a circular economy through policy, planning, and partnerships. Waste reduction remains Metro Vancouver’s priority and planning for the long-term is already underway through an update to the regional solid waste management plan.
