Residential waste is diverted from landfills by recycling, and composting saves land for recreational, agricultural and housing use. In 2009, 1.01 tonnes of waste was collected per household (down for 1.06 in 2007 and 2008) and .62 tonne of solid waste was disposed of in the landfill per residential household (down from .64 in 2008). Percentage of residential waste diverted from landfill sites ... Niagara Region set a goal of a 65% diversion rate for the region by the year 2012, which means Niagara would have to increase its diversion rate by 17% over the 2009 rate.
Table 3.4 Percentage of residential waste diverted away from landfill sites.
| Year | Niagara | Halton | Hamilton | Windsor | OMBI average |
| 2007 | 43% | 42% | 40% | 36% | 48% |
| 2008 | 43% | 45% | 56% | 36% | 45% |
| 2009 | 42% | 48% | 58% | 40% | 48% |
Figure 3.12 Tons of material collected per household diverted from 2007-2009
Figure 3.13 Percentage of residential waste diverted from landfill 2007-2009
The figure on total tonnes collected and going to landfill demonstrates the high volume of household waste going to landfills which is of concern given the life expectancy of several landfills across the province. The Percentage of Residential Waste Diverted Away from Landfill Sites chart demonstrates the amount of residential waste diverted away from landfills and incineration through programs such as organics, blue box, leaf and yard, municipal hazardous or special waste and other recyclable materials (wood, metal and tires). Results show the majority of municipalities continue to increase the percentage of waste diverted, with Halton showing the largest diversion rate. Without an organics program, diversion rates are about 40%.
