Montreal Opens Its First Organic Waste Facility

Montreal opens its first organic waste facility
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Montreal opens its first organic waste facility. Image: Jamie D’Souza

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Montreal opens its first organic waste facility.

In 2015, the city of Montreal took a significant step toward sustainability by introducing brown bins for residents. These bins were designed to collect organic waste and encourage people to separate compostable materials from regular garbage, helping reduce landfill use and promote environmental responsibility.

Initially, the program targeted single-family homes, expanding to duplexes and apartment buildings. Today, this initiative has reached nearly 80 percent of Montreal households.

The downfall of this program was where the organic waste was processed. Until October 2024, Montreal’s compost waste was transported to facilities outside the city, some as far as Joliette, Quebec, and various locations in Ontario. On average, the organic waste travelled 188 kilometres to reach a treatment facility, not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions generated from long-haul transportation.

This logistical challenge is now seeing a significant shift. Montreal recently opened its own organic waste processing facility in the borough of Saint-Laurent, marking a new chapter in the city’s environmental efforts. The facility is set up to make a substantial impact with a processing capacity of 50,000 tonnes of organic matter annually—the equivalent of filling 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Not only does this cut down on transportation emissions, but it also keeps the waste treatment local, fostering a more efficient and sustainable cycle.

The compost generated from this facility will serve dual purposes: part will be made available to residents as high-quality topsoil, and another portion will be sold as fertilizer to local farmers. This closed-loop system benefits both the city’s residents and its agricultural community, creating a symbiotic relationship between urban and rural sectors.

Despite the facility’s promising benefits, it hasn’t been without its share of public concern. Residents near the Saint-Laurent site initially expressed worries about potential odours that come from the plant. However, city officials have reassured the public that the facility is designed to be odour-free. The entire composting process occurs within tunnels, and the plant is sealed and kept under negative pressure to ensure no smells escape. The entrance system consists of double doors, where the inner set cannot open until the outer set is fully closed, creating an airtight barrier. Any air released from the plant is treated through a chemical process within large metal tubes before it exits into the outside atmosphere to control emissions further.

The composting process itself is thoroughly managed. Organic waste is mixed with wood chip particles to aid in aeration, allowing the mixture to decompose efficiently. It then rests in concrete holding pens for eight to nine weeks, where humidity, oxygen levels, and temperature are continuously monitored and regulated. Each storage unit can hold up to 380 tonnes of waste. The result is a rich, peaty soil that is safe for use in gardens and landscaping projects.

The new Saint-Laurent facility can handle the organic waste of approximately 25 percent of the city’s population. The city has already planned a second facility, which is projected to open in 2025, to treat the remaining 75 percent of Montreal’s food waste. This expansion will further reduce the environmental impact of waste transportation and support the city’s sustainability goals. Moreover, the distance travelled has been reduced to only six kilometres.

Montreal’s journey to this point was long and challenging. The concept of a local organic waste treatment facility has been in the works since 2009, requiring years of planning, negotiation, and construction. While it took time, the payoff is a facility that symbolizes progress, resilience, and a commitment to a greener future.

With the promise of a second facility on the horizon and the city’s population steadily embracing composting practices, Montreal is setting a new standard for urban waste management and environmental stewardship.

Top 5 Newsletter

The Top 5 Happy Eco News stories delivered to your inbox - every Monday.

Sign up now!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Support Us.

Happy Eco News will always remain free for anyone who needs it. Help us spread the good news about the environment!