Community Efforts Drive Record Waste Diversion in North Bay

 North Bay residents are sending less waste to the City’s landfill than ever before.

In 2025, a record-low of 35,385 tonnes of domestic, commercial, and non-hazardous industrial materials were sent to the Merrick Landfill, marking a fifth consecutive year of reductions.

Total annual waste at the landfill was 38,740 tonnes in 1995, when it opened. By 2009, total waste had increased to 50,752 tonnes and remained above 40,000 tonnes until 2022. Since then, year-over-year reductions have been supported by the City’s strengthened waste diversion efforts, including promotion, education, and community outreach.

“Thanks to residents, businesses, and staff for their continued commitment to waste reduction. Your efforts not only help reduce the environmental impact of waste but also support long-term sustainability,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, Chair of Infrastructure and Operations.

The City has implemented a range of waste diversion measures in recent years, including limits on curbside garbage collection and expanded recycling in public places and City facilities.

The City has also been recognized with Municipal Waste Association Promotion and Education Awards for its educational initiatives in the past two years; in 2024, for engaging students in local classrooms on the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and in 2025, for increasing recycling in local arenas with the support of student volunteers and North Bay Battalion players.

Together, these measures are supporting residents, whose everyday choices are making a real impact on waste reduction.

“This achievement shows what’s possible when a community works together,” said Victoria Thomas, Environmental Control Officer for the City of North Bay. “Residents should be proud of the role they are playing in reducing waste and extending the life of the Merrick Landfill.”