This is more than just a challenge, it’s a step toward building a Circular Economy, where materials are reused and regenerated instead of ending up in landfills. By participating, you’ll uncover the habits behind your waste, disrupt the linear “take-make-dispose” system, and take practical steps to reduce your environmental impact. 

The Waterloo Region’s only landfill is expected to reach capacity by the mid-2040s and expanding or replacing it isn’t easy. Located within the Grand River watershed, our landfill poses environmental risks like toxic leachate, which can threaten drinking water and local ecosystems. On top of that, organic waste like food scraps and paper releases methane, a greenhouse gas more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Even with capture systems in place, up to 30% still escape, contributing directly to climate change.