Waste Connections of Canada…

Waste Connections of Canada’s Response to Streamlining Requirements for Waste Disposal Site Service Area and Fill Rate Changes

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

ERO number: 026-0414

Introduction

Waste Connections of Canada (Waste Connections) is pleased to respond to the proposed Streamlining Requirements for Waste Disposal Site Service Area and Fill Rate Changes. Waste Connections is supportive of the proposed amendments, which aim to enable more efficient use of existing waste disposal capacity while maintaining strong environmental protections.

Waste Connections of Canada and its Role

Waste Connections is the premier provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services in primary and secondary markets across Ontario, Canada and the US, serving millions of customers. Whether it is single or multi-family residences, commercial institutions, industrial locations, construction sites or special events, Waste Connections provides service to meet customers’ needs.

Waste Connections of Canada is an affiliated company of Waste Connections Inc., which is traded on both the TSX and NYSE, and is the 3rd largest industrial traded company in Canada. We operate in 46 states and 6 provinces across North America and operate over 20 waste and recycling facilities in Ontario employing over 1200 people across the Province.

General Support for the Proposal

Waste Connections strongly supports the Province’s objective of enabling more efficient use of existing waste disposal capacity and providing municipalities with additional tools to manage waste responsibly. In particular, we support the proposed changes that would provide greater flexibility to adjust landfill service areas and fill rates, and reduce unnecessary administrative burden associated with duplicative approval processes.

Elimination of Duplicative Processes

Waste Connections welcomes the proposal to eliminate the Environmental Screening Process (ESP) requirement for service area and fill rate changes and rely instead on the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) amendment process. Requiring both processes has historically created duplication, extended timelines, and increased costs for changes that often present limited incremental environmental impact. The proposed shift to a single, technically rigorous ECA-based process appropriately maintains environmental oversight while significantly improving regulatory efficiency.

Maintaining Environmental Protections

Waste Connections supports the Ministry’s continued emphasis on environmental protection through the ECA framework. The proposal maintains key safeguards including technical review requirements and engagement with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and nearby stakeholders which are critical to responsible waste management. This balanced approach ensures that regulatory efficiency does not come at the expense of environmental integrity or community confidence.

Benefits for Municipalities and the Waste System

Waste Connections believes the proposed amendments will deliver meaningful system-wide benefits, including shortened approval timelines, improved utilization of existing permitted landfill infrastructure, enhanced flexibility to respond to changing waste flows and procurement timelines, and reduced regulatory costs for both operators and municipalities.

Alignment with Broader Provincial Priorities

Waste Connections also notes that the proposed amendments align with the Province’s broader priorities related to housing, infrastructure delivery, and economic competitiveness. By enabling faster, more predictable approvals for operational changes at existing waste disposal facilities, the proposal supports timely delivery of major construction and infrastructure projects, which depend on reliable and accessible waste management capacity.

Improving the efficiency of landfill service area and fill rate approvals will also help reduce project delays and cost pressures associated with waste handling, contributing to the Province’s objective of building more homes and critical infrastructure more quickly. In addition, maximizing the use of existing permitted disposal assets supports responsible land use planning and reduces the need for new disposal capacity in the near term.

Conclusion

Waste Connections of Canada strongly supports the proposed amendments under ERO 026-0414. The proposal represents a practical and evidence-based approach to streamlining environmental approvals, reducing administrative burden, and improving the efficiency of Ontario’s waste management system while maintaining robust environmental protections.