In circular cities, businesses, government and the public work together to apply and embody circular principles tailored to the area’s unique local cultures, economy, and ecosystem. Everyone has a role to play in helping to move Toronto toward a circular economy.
Actions Individuals Can Take
- Choose reusable items such as bags and beverage and food containers instead of disposable ones.
- Reduce overconsumption and drive demand for circular products and services by shopping consciously.
- Repair and repurpose items to maximize their use and reduce the need for new products to be created.
- Donate items to extend their life.
- Borrow, share or rent less frequently used items, such as tools, party supplies, camping gear, sports equipment, board games, toys and vehicles.
- Make choices that are regenerative and support the health of natural systems, such as backyard composting, planting pollinator gardens, and making your home bird-friendly.
Learn more waste reduction tips.
Actions Organizations Can Take
- Companies can unlock the potential of circular finance and circular business models, such as Buy and Sell Back, Buy and Sell On, and Product-as-Service, and can prioritize innovative design and production, finding new ways to access, use and reuse materials.
- Advocacy groups and cultural associations can support a more equitable transition to a circular economy through participation in decision-making.
- Social partners, such as trade and labour unions, can represent the interests of workers and employers during the transition to a circular economy.
- Standards authorities can establish international circular metrics, indicators and standards to guide and measure progress toward the circular economy.
- Institutes and professional accreditation bodies can drive knowledge creation and equip workers with the skills required for a just circular transition.
Actions the City Can Take
The City of Toronto can play a leading role in the transition toward a more circular economy and create an environment in which circular innovation can flourish by:
- Developing a Circular Economy Road Map for Toronto.
- Mobilizing stakeholders around circular goals.
- Providing education related to and improving the understanding of opportunities for circularity, including through City services and business processes.
- Managing the City’s assets in a circular way, including through circular procurement.
- Incentivizing and regulating Toronto’s circular business ecosystem.
- Actively seeking diverse perspectives and ways of knowing.
- Addressing historical and systemic injustices and continuing to explore ways to work with and learn from Indigenous Peoples (as Rights Holders) and equity-deserving communities in the circular transition.
- Working together with other levels of government to create the enabling conditions for businesses, industry, and communities to embark on a circular transition.
Circular Economy E-Updates
To receive information and updates related to sustainable consumption and circular economy initiatives and opportunities, subscribe to Circular Economy E-Updates.
This web page contains website links. The City of Toronto provides these links to the public strictly as a convenience to support opportunities that may help advance the circular economy. The City of Toronto does not operate or control any aspect of these websites. By providing a link to a third party’s site, the City of Toronto is not endorsing them https://coil.eco/. The City of Toronto does not review, endorse or approve the websites and is not responsible for them in any way. You agree that the City of Toronto is not liable for any damages resulting from your linking to a third party website.
