Waste management

B.C. is proud to be a leader in sustainable environmental management. Effective waste management procedures and solutions contribute a great deal to preserving our environment.

To manage waste, first determine if a material is waste and if so, what type it is; then find out what rules apply. Each section below will help you identify your waste and provide guidance for the applicable rules. If you are not able to define the waste, or the rules are difficult to understand, an environmental consultant may be of help.

 

Services and information topics

Waste discharge authorization

A waste discharge authorization is written permission to release waste into the environment under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). Find out what you need to apply, manage, and search for authorizations.

Zero waste and the circular economy

There is a positive business case for reducing the amount of waste we generate. In British Columbia, we have set a provincial waste disposal target to lower the municipal solid waste disposal rate to 350 kg per person to reduce the waste we generate on land and in the marine environment. 

Food and organic waste

Approximately, one-third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted every year (FAO, 2011). In B.C., organic waste currently represents 40% of material sent to our landfills.

Recycling

Take the green approach. Reducing and reusing saves waste removal costs and helps protect our natural resources. That makes recycling the healthiest part of a waste management plan. Discover ways you can champion recycling in your community.

Garbage

Local governments are responsible for preventing and disposing of solid waste for homes and businesses in their area.

Managing municipal solid waste minimizes environmental impacts and supports sustainable environmental management, greenhouse gas reduction and air and water quality.

Sewage

Sewage (or wastewater) from homes and businesses is treated and discharged from treatment facilities throughout the province. Facilities vary in size, treatment level and ownership type. Most large scale treatment facilities in the province are owned and operated by municipalities or regional governments.

Hazardous waste

To prevent harming human health and the environment, it’s essential that hazardous waste is handled, stored, transported, treated and disposed of properly.

Industrial waste

Our environmental standards and management approaches strive to establish world-leading requirements to protect air, land and water quality.

Environmental accountability

An example of how the province is strengthening environmental accountability is the Public Interest Bonding Strategy.

Report Pollution

Report known or suspected polluters anonymously: