Starting January 1, 2025, Ontario is enforcing a groundbreaking ban on sending organic waste to landfills or incinerators under the Environmental Protection Act. This initiative, part of the broader Food and Organic Waste Framework, reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing climate change, fostering a circular economy, and promoting sustainable practices across municipalities and industries. While the legislation is visionary, challenges in infrastructure and technology readiness remain, creating urgency for practical solutions.
The Environmental Law and Its Scope
The Food and Organic Waste Framework is a vital component of the Waste-Free Ontario Strategy and the Ontario Climate Change Action Plan. Its primary objective is to redefine organic waste as a resource rather than refuse. This innovative framework introduces a multi-faceted approach to combat food waste and promote environmental sustainability:
- Reducing food waste:
- By enhancing food labeling and safety regulations, the framework aims to educate consumers and businesses about minimizing waste at the source.
- Public awareness campaigns will help address misconceptions about “best before” dates and encourage smarter consumption practices.
- Redistributing surplus food:
- Food rescue programs will ensure that edible but unused food is redistributed to those in need, reducing overall waste while addressing food insecurity.
- Recycling organics:
- Organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, will be diverted from landfills into composting and nutrient recovery programs.
- This effort will support healthy soils, mitigate methane emissions from decomposing organics, and generate renewable energy in some cases.
- Mandating organic waste collection:
- Businesses and municipalities will be required to establish dedicated organic waste collection systems.
- Multi-residential buildings and small municipalities will also be held accountable for implementing waste management systems.
By setting clear responsibilities for governments, municipalities, and the private sector, the framework aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing organic waste.
Impact on Businesses
The ban has significant implications for businesses, particularly those in sectors such as food production, retail, hospitality, and property management. While the legislation presents challenges, it also opens up opportunities for innovation and sustainability leadership.
Operational adjustments
- Businesses will need to modify waste management practices, such as implementing on-site organic waste processing or partnering with third-party waste collectors.
- Multi-residential buildings, restaurants, grocery stores, and factories must ensure that organics are separated and handled appropriately to comply with the framework.
Cost considerations
- Upfront investments may be required to install equipment like digesters or compost facilities. However, these costs can be mitigated through grants, incentives, or long-term savings on the costs of waste disposal.
- Improved waste management can also enhance brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers.
Compliance risks
- Failure to meet regulatory requirements could result in fines or other penalties. Non-compliance may also harm a business’ reputation in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
- Businesses will need to develop comprehensive waste reduction plans to avoid regulatory risks and align with the framework’s objectives.
Technological Solutions for Organic Waste Management
To meet the new requirements, businesses must adopt innovative solutions to handle organic waste effectively. The choice of technology will depend on the scale of operations, budget, and local regulations. Below are the primary options available for businesses seeking to reduce food waste:
1. Dehydrators
- Dehydrators (often called composters) reduce organic waste volume by removing moisture, producing a dry, inert material that is less costly to transport.
- While they are compact and suitable for small businesses, dehydrators incur high operational costs thanks to high utility inputs.
2. Compost Machines
- Compost machines or facilities process organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for use in agriculture or landscaping.
- Ideal for businesses with outdoor space, compost machines are the most environmentally friendly option but require time, land, effort, and labor.
3. Grinders (Banned in Canada)
- Grinders are an immediate solution to low volumes of food waste but frequently break down due to inherent design flaws.
- Garburators, popularly known as garbage disposal units, are not compliant with Canada’s new regulations.
4. Aerobic Digesters
- Aerobic digesters use oxygen and bacteria to rapidly decompose organic waste into grey water, which can be safely discharged into municipal wastewater systems.
- Though they often require an initial investment, these food waste digesters are versatile, available in various sizes, and require minimal space or maintenance, making them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
5. Anaerobic Digesters
- Anaerobic digesters operate in oxygen-free environments to produce biogas and nutrient-rich digestate.
- While effective for large facilities, they demand significant investment and infrastructure, limiting their accessibility for small and medium businesses.
Why Aerobic Digesters Are the Best Choice
Among the available technologies, aerobic digesters such as the LFC biodigester emerge as the most practical and sustainable option for businesses under the new regulations. Here’s why:
- Flexibility:
Aerobic digesters come in a range of sizes, from compact models for small restaurants to industrial-scale systems for food manufacturers. This adaptability ensures that businesses of all types can find a solution that meets their needs.
- Environmental impact:
Unlike grinders or dehydrators, aerobic digesters recycle organic waste without generating harmful emissions or untreated discharge. Their grey water output is safe for municipal waste water systems, minimizing environmental harm. The Villa Care Centre, a long-term care senior home in Ontario, has diverted over 18 tonne of waste from the landfill in the last 12 months with an LFC biodigester.
- Ease of use:
These systems are easy to install and operate, requiring minimal staff training or maintenance. Their compact design is particularly advantageous for urban businesses with limited space.
Algonquin College, one of Canada’s largest publicly funded colleges, remodeled their campus to meet present and future sustainability demands and installed an LFC biodigester. The biodigester has blended seamlessly into the kitchen staff’s routine, by enabling the immediate disposal of organic waste as opposed to the traditional method of storing and transporting waste via a third party.
- Cost-effective:
While there is an initial investment, aerobic digesters help businesses save on waste hauling and disposal costs over time. Their long-term efficiency and durability provide an excellent return on investment.
- Compliance:
Aerobic digesters meet Canada’s regulatory requirements for organic waste processing, ensuring businesses avoid fines and maintain good standing with environmental authorities.
Looking Ahead
Ontario’s ban on organic waste in landfills represents a monumental step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting nutrient recycling, and fostering a circular economy. While businesses face challenges in adapting to the new regulations, technologies like aerobic digesters provide an accessible, sustainable, and efficient solution.
By embracing these innovations, businesses can align with greater environmental goals, enhance their operational efficiency, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability. The path to a greener future may require investment and effort, but the long-term benefits for businesses, communities, and the planet are immeasurable. Contact Power Knot today to find a solution to your commercial food waste today.