An investigation on Ontario’s non-hazardous municipal solid waste diversion using trend analysis

Abstract

Non-hazardous waste disposal and diversion trends in Ontario from 1996 to 2010 were identified using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods, and the temporal variability of its waste diversion practices were examined. Ontario’s diversion was sensitive to waste diversion policy and residential diversion programs. Total waste diversion increased by 85% in 14 years. Results suggested that waste minimization may be more effective than recycling on Ontario diversion rates. Programs targeting non-residential sectors are recommended, specifically for smaller businesses with limited waste management budgets. Linear regression and Mann-Kendall tests detected significant increasing trends for residential waste diversion. In contrast, non-residential diversion had a decreasing trend using linear regression. A significant upward trend (S = +10) was found for Ontario’s total waste diversion using Mann-Kendall tests. Highly significant upward trends were observed for plastic and organic recycling. Mann-Kendall tests were found more appropriate for waste trend analysis in the present study.