Process
A Mixed Waste Processing Study was carried out to evaluate the best possible technology and site for Toronto to process its mixed waste. The study considers a planning period from 2010 to 2035. The evaluation of mixed waste systems takes into account the environmental benefits and risks, health impacts and economic evaluation of the options.

In July 2007, Toronto City Council approved the creation of the Residual Waste Working Group (RWWG), a citizen advisory group comprised of eight members, to provide input, advice and regular community feedback to Solid Waste Management staff and the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the development of the Mixed Waste Processing Study, including planning and participating in stakeholder consultation events in Toronto. The RWWG held 18 working group meetings throughout the Mixed Waste Processing Study and provided valuable input and comments throughout the process.

Evaluation of Technologies
Options, criteria, summary, recommended technology and examples of facilities.

Evaluation of Sites
Only licensed waste management sites owned by the City of Toronto, either within or outside City boundaries, were evaluated for this study.

Recommended Technology
The Mixed Waste Processing Study recommends the technology category be Mechanical Biological Treatment with Aerobic Composting or Anaerobic Digestion at the Green Lane Resources.

Suggested Site
Land owned by the City of Toronto, adjacent to the Green Lane Landfill, met all the screening criteria and is the only site that has sufficient property available for the development of a mixed waste processing facility. See the site configuration drawing here.

Assessments
Residual waste diversion technologies were evaluated for potential waste management options, and were subject to a Life Cycle Assessment and a Health Impact Assessment screening.

A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of three options to treat and dispose mixed solid waste. An LCA determines the type, amount and environmental impact of the resources used and emissions produced and released into the environment. It is able to identify opportunities to improve current environmental practices and quantifies inputs and outputs from 'cradle to grave'. A computer model was developed to incorporate the complexity of the analysis in order to accurately assess the environmental costs and benefits. View the full report.

A Pre-Screening Health Determinants decision tool was developed to narrow the number of mixed waste processing technologies and site options within the Health Impact Assessment. Four worksheets include matrices to compare and rank determining factors to develop option and decision factors summaries. Toronto Public Health (TPH), City of Toronto Project Advisory Waste Group Committee (PAC) and the Residual Waste Working Group (RWWG) worked in consultation with Golder Associates to develop this decision tool. View the full report.

Stakeholder consultation and comments
Stakeholder consultations are now underway and comments are being considered.

Next steps and proposed timelines

• The MBT (aerobic and anaerobic digestion) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) screening will be finalized in order to compare the overall impacts of the waste management system with the option of direct landfilling all of the mixed waste waste – July 2009.

• Consultation with the community at the proposed Green Lane Resources site, MOE and interested stakeholders – September 2009.

• Issue Request for Expressions of Interest to solicit vendors interested in providing the selected technology – Early 2010.

• Issue Request for Proposals and evaluate technology submissions – Mid to late 2010.

• Report recommended vendor to Public Works and Infrastructure Committee and City Council – Early to mid 2011.

• Begin constructing the facility – Late 2011.

Need more information?