West Coast ICI Tipping Fee and Diversion Program

The West Coast Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) Tipping Fee and Diversion Program will roll out increases to help address the increasing operational expenses and limited revenue West Coast Landfill (WCL) faces. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste, ensure financial sustainability, and meet environmental targets through funding a grant program that promotes diversion for businesses. The program is designed to offset that impact and reduce the financial burden currently carried by residential taxpayer.

With more than 600,000 visitors annually to the West Coast, the WCL sees an increase in waste volumes during peak seasons, placing added strain on landfill operations.

What is ICI waste?

Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) waste comes from businesses and organizations - not households. Examples include:

• Offices and retail stores
• Restaurants and hotels
• Schools, hospitals, and other institutions

Why are changes being proposed?

• Rising Costs: The West Coast Landfill faces increasing operational expenses and limited revenue.
• Unequal Impact: ICI generators produce more than twice the waste of residential users, yet pay the same tipping fee.
• Tourism Surge: Over 600,000 visitors annually increase waste volumes during peak seasons.

Increases

To promote fairness and encourage waste reduction, a phased tipping fee increase is proposed for ICI waste loads over 83 kg:

• 2026: $172/tonne & minimum fee $15
• 2027: $191/tonne & minimum fee $15
• 2028: $212/tonne & minimum fee $15

Residential tipping fees will remain at $150 per tonne.

Most landfill waste could be diverted

In 2024, commercial sources accounted for 78% (49% commercial + 29% construction & demolition) of all waste landfilled at the West Coast Landfill (WCL), compared to 22% residential and waste.

Most waste going to the landfill could be diverted. The Sort’nGo curbside program increased residential diversion from 23% in 2021 to 57% in 2024. Commercial diversion remains low at WCL. Much of this is due to seasonal tourism significantly increasing waste volume at the West Coast Landfill

Residential diversion is working - Now it's time for businesses

Since implementation of the Sort’nGo curbside program residential diversion increased from 23% in 2021 to 57% in 2024. Commercial diversion remains low and is the next major opportunity.

A waste audit in 2023 estimated more than 75% of waste going into the landfill could be diverted:

• 41% compostable organics
• 25% recyclables
• 9% non-compostable organics

Landfill capacity is finite

At current rates, the landfill will reach capacity by 2062. Reducing waste and improving airspace use could extend its life to 2070 or beyond.

New federal regulations aim to cut methane emissions from landfills by 50% by 2030. In 2024, WCL generated 373 tonnes of methane, mostly from organic waste.

Benefits of the ICI Tipping Fee and Diversion Program

Operating costs for WCL in 2024 were $1.52 million, with only $761,000 recovered

Increasing ICI tipping fees with help us:

• Supports environmental targets
• Ensures financial sustainable
• Fund infrastructure upgrades
• Fund environmental monitoring

• Fair cost sharing between residents and businesses
• Supports landfill upgrades (power, leachate collection, operations)
• Promotes responsible waste management and environmental sustainability
• Strengthens financial stability for continued operations

Impact on businesses

• Businesses will be encouraged to divert waste to avoid higher fees.
• Program will be simple, accessible, and cost-effective, helping local businesses transition to sustainable practices.

For more information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.