Why Composting Is Crucial to Canada’s Climate Strategy – A national look at why organic waste matters and how provinces step up

Canada’s landfills are leaking methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere every day. But part of the solution is already in our kitchens, gardens, and communities.

To understand Canada’s composting challenges and solutions, check out The Composting Landscape of Canadian Municipalities by Lark Researcher Madeline Roquemore. 

Why Composting Matters

When organic waste goes to a landfill, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and releases methane. Composting avoids this by using oxygen-loving microbes to break down material safely, creating nutrient-rich compost for land and farms.

Benefits of composting:

• Cuts methane emissions

• Improves soil fertility and water retention

• Reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers

• Returns nutrients to local food systems

  
  

Who’s Responsible for Composting in Canada?

Composting in Canada is managed across three levels of government:

1. Municipalities: Handle day-to-day collection and facility operations.

2. Provinces/Territories: Set regulations and approve compost facility operations.

3. Federal Government: Oversees emissions targets, research, and cross-border waste movement.

   
   

Agencies like Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) support integrated composting strategies.

Tools that Support Organics Management

Canada uses several technical tools for local governments:

• Municipal Solid Waste Organics Processing Guide: Offers design and emissions control strategies.

• Green House Gas Calculator Tool: Lets municipalities estimate emissions reductions from switching to composting.

• Northern & Remote Communities Guide: Offers waste strategies tailored to Indigenous and northern conditions.

Provincial Policies and Supports

Provinces publish regulations and frameworks to guide the operations of composting facilities, each reflecting local priorities and challenges. Examples of provincial action:

• B.C.: CleanBC aims to divert 95% of food and yard waste by 2030.

• Ontario: Offers detailed compost quality standards and a Food & Organic Waste Framework.

• Nova Scotia: Was one of the first to ban organics from landfills.

• Alberta & Manitoba: Expand biogas systems and offer compost incentive payments.

  
  

Each region tailors composting policies to the local population, infrastructure, and climate.

In Summary

So far, we have highlighted the evolving landscape of composting policy and practice across Canada, outlining that tools and guides that support municipalities. Provincial governments are enacting targeted regulations and incentives, with each region tailoring its composting strategies to meet local needs. 

Stay tuned for the next article, where we explore how Indigenous communities and Canadian municipalities lead the way on the ground. In the meantime, take a deeper dive into the topic with The Composting Landscape of Canadian Municipalities.