(Note: All graphics sourced from Annual Report, www.lethbridge.ca/news/posts/waste-environment-annual-report/)
Lethbridge waste diversion efforts have successfully reduced annual waste rates by 34%, from the 2013 baseline of 330 kg/capita to 213 kg/capita. The target for 2030 is a 50% reduction of the residential waste stream (compared to 2013 rates), to 140 kg/capita.
Overall, the Waste & Recyling Center processed 154,666 tonnes of waste in 2025, with 24% of it being diverted from the landfill. From our households, approximately 17,000 tonnes of garbage was collected, as well as 3,300 tonnes of recyclables and 7,000 tonnes of compostable materials. The diversion of recyclables and organics has resulted in a steady reduction of waste to the landfill.
These reductions are the result of the diversion of recyclable materials (Blue bin) and compostable materials (Green bin), which have been largely adopted by households with a satisfaction rate exceeding 85%. The cart collection rates are currently $0 for the Blue bin (since the provincial EPR program has been implemented), and $5.04/month for the Green bin. Lethbridge pays $20.35 per month for this service, among the lowest Waste Utility Rates in the province.
While there is room for improvement for residents of Lethbridge to divert recyclables (using the Blue bin) and food & yard wastes (using the Green bin), meeting 2030 waste reduction targets will require greater efforts in reducing waste. This includes avoiding highly packaged products; avoiding single use products like shopping bags, take-out containers, cutlery and straws; and buying durable clothing, while gently laundering and mending when needed. Visit wasteless.ca for more information and tips.
Waste not only represents a waste of resources, waste in the landfill is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The 2025 Annual Report shows that Lethbridge both contributes to, and is impacted by, greenhouse gas emissions. These trends threaten human and environmental health and worker productivity (particularly outdoor work), and affects rainfall patterns, increases extreme weather events with economic costs, and has the long-term potential of negatively affecting agricultural output. Destabilizing the climate can be mitigated.
The message remains that we can have a large collective impact by changing our behaviours in small ways. The City of Lethbridge has achieved some impressive gains in waste management over the past decade – they should be commended.
