York Region’s updated SM4RT Living Plan builds a smarter waste future
Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York completed a comprehensive five-year review of its SM4RT Living Waste Management Master Plan, reaffirming York Regional Council’s commitment to sustainable waste practices and outlining strategic infrastructure investments to meet future needs.
"Since first introduced in 2013, there has been tremendous effort made to work toward a world where nothing goes to waste,” said Eric Jolliffe, York Region Chairman and CEO. “New objectives and actions in the updated plan will enhance environmental stewardship, improve customer experience and advance the circular economy, keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible.”
Key highlights of the updated SM4RT Living Plan include:
- Reconfiguring the Waste Management Centre in East Gwillimbury to include a new leaf and yard waste facility and expanded waste transfer station
- Planning for a second transfer station to serve southern York Region, reducing haulage distances and improving service efficiency
- Investing in Region-owned infrastructure anticipates savings of more than $13 million over 10 years compared to contracted services, improving long-term resilience and reduce reliance on external providers
- Partnering with organizations like York Region Food Network and Newmakeit to reduce food waste and promote reuse through programs such as Repair Cafés and Good Food initiatives
- Transitioning to full producer responsibility for the Blue Box program beginning January 2026, advocating for stronger regulations and working directly with Producer Responsibility Organizations to secure funding and services
Public consultations and stakeholder input have shaped the plan’s priorities. Residents expressed strong support for mobile collection events, depot enhancements and circular economy programs fostering community connection.
“Since the last update in 2020, changing environmental, social and economic conditions like rising costs, supply chain issues and new regulations have made waste management more complex,” said City of Richmond Hill Mayor David West, Chair of Public Works - Environmental Services. “These challenges highlight the need for stable, cost-effective and locally controlled waste solutions.”
The SM4RT Living Waste Management Master Plan is reviewed every five years to assess progress and refine future strategies. The 2020 update set key goals to adapt legislative changes, use resources more strategically and inspire residents to embrace waste reduction and the circular economy. Learn more at york.ca/SM4RTLiving
Circular Economy Month
York Region celebrated Circular Economy Month this October by showcasing innovative programs, helping eliminate waste and conserve natural resources. From repair cafés and textile donations to Lendery libraries and the Share, Reuse, Repair Hub, York Region is empowering residents, businesses and organizations to embrace circular practices. Learn more at york.ca/CircularEconomy
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices
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Media Contact
Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Cell: (437) 997-6821
Email: @email
