News Release
October 14, 2021

Next week, Mayor John Tory will proclaim Monday, October 18 to Sunday, October 24 as Waste Reduction Week in Toronto. This is the 20th anniversary of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, which is held every October to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable consumption and the work we must do as individuals to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

This year’s theme, “Then, Now, Future,” focuses on the principles of a circular economy, resource efficiency and waste reduction. Each day of the week promotes a different theme that celebrates environmental efforts and achievements to date and explores new ideas and solutions to reduce waste.

The City of Toronto and its Community Reduce & Reuse Program partners will host online events and workshops throughout the week that cover topics such as the circular economy and the history of Toronto’s blue box program. Online workshops include a sewing tutorial, bike repair and maintenance, and food preservation techniques. Events are open to all Toronto residents.

More information about Waste Reduction Week and how to participate in the online events and workshops is available here

“While we continue to manage the impacts of climate change and the changing environment, work to reduce our footprint and our waste should be a top priority. The work we do in diverting waste will help us reduce our use of energy and resources, which will help us create a cleaner and greener city. On this 20th anniversary of Waste Reduction Week, I encourage residents to take the time to learn new ways in which they can minimize waste, such as refusing single-use and takeaway items that they don’t need, and reusing, repairing and repurposing household items whenever they can.”

– Mayor John Tory

“Waste Reduction Week offers opportunities for all Toronto residents to learn new skills and behaviours to reduce waste, as well as highlighting the City’s partners and programs that support waste reduction and move Toronto towards a circular economy.”

– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the City’s Infrastructure & Environment Committee.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca