Solid Waste Master Plan
Solid Waste Master Plan: To guide waste management for the next 30 years.
At the District of Muskoka, we are exploring options to guide Muskoka’s waste management goals and objectives for the next 30 years. The Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) is a long-term plan on how waste should be managed within our community. We are looking for your input on the waste programs, education, and services we provide, as well as potential new programs.
One of the District’s key priorities is waste reduction, and we have ambitious targets:
- Reduce garbage generation by 10% by 2030, 25% by 2050.
- Divert 60% of all solid waste from landfill by 2030, 80% by 2050.
Solid Waste Master Plan: To guide waste management for the next 30 years.
At the District of Muskoka, we are exploring options to guide Muskoka’s waste management goals and objectives for the next 30 years. The Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) is a long-term plan on how waste should be managed within our community. We are looking for your input on the waste programs, education, and services we provide, as well as potential new programs.
One of the District’s key priorities is waste reduction, and we have ambitious targets:
- Reduce garbage generation by 10% by 2030, 25% by 2050.
- Divert 60% of all solid waste from landfill by 2030, 80% by 2050.
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Council Approves Solid Waste Master Plan
Share Council Approves Solid Waste Master Plan on Facebook Share Council Approves Solid Waste Master Plan on X (formerly Twitter) Share Council Approves Solid Waste Master Plan on Linkedin Email Council Approves Solid Waste Master Plan linkDistrict Council approved Muskoka’s Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) on June 15, 2026, establishing a long-term roadmap to guide waste management decisions over the next 30 years.
With the Master Plan approved, the District is moving forward with the evaluation, planning and phased implementation of priority initiatives. Each initiative will require further assessment and, where applicable, additional Council consideration before implementation.
One of the first major initiatives moving forward is a Garbage Bag Tag Program, planned for implementation in January 2028. Detailed program development is now underway, including evaluation of the program framework, administration, distribution and public education needs.
Other priority initiatives identified through the SWMP will continue to be evaluated and advanced over the coming years as part of the District’s commitment to reducing waste, increasing diversion and protecting Muskoka’s remaining landfill capacity.
Residents can learn more about the Master Plan and its 23 recommended options through the resources below:
View the solid waste playbook for more information.
View the one-page summaries for more information.
View the final solid waste master plan document.
Listen to the supported podcast that explains in further detail online. Disclaimer: This service uses an artificial-intelligence tool to support information processing. District staff review and approve all final content and outcomes.District Council approved Muskoka’s Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP) on June 15, 2026, establishing a long-term roadmap to guide waste management decisions over the next 30 years.
With the Master Plan approved, the District is moving forward with the evaluation, planning and phased implementation of priority initiatives. Each initiative will require further assessment and, where applicable, additional Council consideration before implementation.
One of the first major initiatives moving forward is a Garbage Bag Tag Program, planned for implementation in January 2028. Detailed program development is now underway, including evaluation of the program framework, administration, distribution and public education needs.
Other priority initiatives identified through the SWMP will continue to be evaluated and advanced over the coming years as part of the District’s commitment to reducing waste, increasing diversion and protecting Muskoka’s remaining landfill capacity.
Residents can learn more about the Master Plan and its 23 recommended options through the resources below:
View the solid waste playbook for more information.
View the one-page summaries for more information.
View the final solid waste master plan document.
Listen to the supported podcast that explains in further detail online. Disclaimer: This service uses an artificial-intelligence tool to support information processing. District staff review and approve all final content and outcomes. -
Final Solid Waste Master Plan - June 15, 2026 Council Meeting
Share Final Solid Waste Master Plan - June 15, 2026 Council Meeting on Facebook Share Final Solid Waste Master Plan - June 15, 2026 Council Meeting on X (formerly Twitter) Share Final Solid Waste Master Plan - June 15, 2026 Council Meeting on Linkedin Email Final Solid Waste Master Plan - June 15, 2026 Council Meeting linkThe Project Team is excited to announce that the Final Solid Waste Master Plan is being presented to District Council on June 15, 2026.
The Solid Waste Master Plan provides a clear, 30‑year framework to address these challenges by reducing waste generation, increasing diversion, and improving how services are delivered across the District. The Plan is informed by technical analysis, industry best practices, and extensive public engagement, and establishes a phased, flexible approach to implementation.
This report seeks Council endorsement of the Solid Waste Master Plan as the District’s long-term strategy and direction to proceed with implementation, including development of the necessary by-laws and program elements.
Links to report documents can be found below:
Final Solid Waste Master Plan - Technical Options One-pagers
The Project Team is excited to announce that the Final Solid Waste Master Plan is being presented to District Council on June 15, 2026.
The Solid Waste Master Plan provides a clear, 30‑year framework to address these challenges by reducing waste generation, increasing diversion, and improving how services are delivered across the District. The Plan is informed by technical analysis, industry best practices, and extensive public engagement, and establishes a phased, flexible approach to implementation.
This report seeks Council endorsement of the Solid Waste Master Plan as the District’s long-term strategy and direction to proceed with implementation, including development of the necessary by-laws and program elements.
Links to report documents can be found below:
Final Solid Waste Master Plan - Technical Options One-pagers
Planned closure at time of design: 2041
New estimated closure year (based on Report PW-4-2026-5): 2043
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Phase 1 - "Where Are We?"
Solid Waste Master Plan has finished this stageJuly 2024 - Q1 2025
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Phase 2 - "Where Are We Going?"
Solid Waste Master Plan has finished this stageQ1 2025 - Q4 2025
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Phase 3 - "How Will We Get There?"
Solid Waste Master Plan is currently at this stageQ4 2025 - June 2026
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Click here to play video
No Time to Waste – Muskoka Invites You to Explore Waste Management Options
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Click here to play video
Big News Muskoka - Cell #4 at Rosewarne is Complete!
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Click here to play video
The Future of Waste
Interview with YourTV Muskoka
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Click here to play video
It's what we do - Waste Management in Muskoka
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Click here to play video
SWMP Virtual Open House - September 2025
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Director, Waste Management and Environmental Services
RR
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Review of Current Waste Management Profile (4.81 MB) (pdf)
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Review of Federal and Provincial Policies, Programs, and Legislative Instruments (840 KB) (pdf)
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Review of Emerging Policy and Program Trends in Solid Waste Management (784 KB) (pdf)
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Review of Industry Best Practices (1.06 MB) (pdf)
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Review of Emerging Technologies and Approaches (777 KB) (pdf)
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Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the Waste Management System (916 KB) (pdf)
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Solid Waste Master Plan - Phase 1 Summary Report (2.39 MB) (pdf)
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Solid Waste Master Plan - Phase 1 Engagement and Communications Report (1.16 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Level of Ambition.pdf (703 KB) (pdf)
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SWMP Future Waste Management Needs (1.2 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Alternative Financial Models (1.14 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Options Identification Refinement and Evaluation_Final v2.pdf (1.78 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Options Development_Final v2.pdf (1.81 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Phase 2 Engagement Report (2.01 MB) (pdf)
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SWMP Long-Term Sustainable Full Cost Funding Models.pdf (986 KB) (pdf)