City of Surrey's strategy to become a zero-waste community
At a glance
The City of Surrey is a leader in waste diversion in Canada, with a current diversion rate of 70%. They strive to go even further and become the first community in Canada to achieve zero waste to landfill. Their vision focuses on a circular economy in which all products are designed and managed so that no waste is sent to landfills and incinerators. All products are reused, recycled or re-integrated to the maximum extent.
The challenge
The City wanted to establish a clear and supported pathway to achieving zero waste over the next 30 years. They required a framework that would establish their baseline, identify opportunities to further reduce and divert waste, and set out strategic visions, objectives, targets and goals to transition towards zero waste and a circular economy. The strategy will guide and support future decisions, directions and investments related to solid waste, and help identify actions, policies, programs, innovation and new technologies to lead them to zero waste.
Our response
We worked closely with the City to develop a Zero Waste Strategy, supported by a comprehensive evaluation of their current waste streams, as well as public surveys to engage the community and provide feedback of the current and proposed new strategies.
The project included a background review and gap and opportunities analysis of existing programs, services, policies and initiatives. Opportunities were identified to reduce and divert waste, referencing best practices and case studies of leading zero-waste jurisdictions throughout the world. Once action items were established, we then developed a Waste Reduction Matrix to quantify reduction and diversion potential to develop targets and goals over the next 30 years.
The project integrated a zero-carbon focus, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste disposal as a priority within the framework.
Ultimately, the Zero Waste Strategy sets out a series of short, medium and long-term actions with their associated waste reduction and diversion targets, and Key Performance Indicators for long-term program monitoring and improvements.
The impact
The Strategy guides and supports future decisions, directions and investments for the City and identifies actions, policies, programs, innovation and technologies relating to solid waste reduction and diversion.
With this Strategy, the City now has an established pathway to achieve the City’s goal of becoming zero waste, building a circular economy, and mitigating climate change through reduced GHG emissions.