Simcoe County Council Deadlocked: Landfill Nears Capacity Amid Health Concerns as Waste Diversion Debate Drags On

The county council has been unable to reach a solution on waste management, even as health concerns grow around the County’s last remaining landfill. The Oro facility — Simcoe’s largest and final active site — is projected to reach capacity by 2027, and across Ontario, the province as a whole has fewer than nine years of landfill capacity left.

At the August Simcoe County Council meeting, the debate focused on how to increase diversion rates from landfill. The original motion, introduced by Councillors Rawson and Greenlaw, sought to adopt staff’s recommended Option 1: garbage carts would only be collected if residents also set out their organics cart.

Staff explained that nearly half of the material still going to landfill is organic waste, that diversion rates have stalled at about 65 percent, and that previous education campaigns have not meaningfully shifted behaviour. They outlined six options for council’s consideration:

1. Collect garbage only if organics are also set out (staff’s recommendation).

2. Targeted education and technology.

3. Higher curbside enforcement.

4. Expanded countywide education.

5. Monthly garbage collection.

6. Status quo.

Supporters of Option 1, including Councillor Evans and Warden Clarke, argued that it would provide the strongest incentive to change behaviour and normalize organics participation. Opponents countered that the approach was punitive, costly to enforce, and unfair to seasonal residents and backyard composters. Several councillors raised concerns about illegal dumping and questioned whether the policy would actually extend landfill life. Others leaned toward maintaining the status quo with renewed education efforts, or favoured Option 4, which focused on more widespread education and promotion.

After extended debate, Council rejected Option 1. Instead, they passed a compromise motion to receive the staff report. Staff were also directed to return with further details on Option 4, which involves expanded countywide education, including projected costs and possible marketing approaches.

Speaking exclusively to Simcoe Community Media, the Mayor of Penetanguishene urged urgent action and collaboration on the matter. He expressed support for requiring residents to use green bins for their garbage to be collected.