The City of Calgary and our funding partners are celebrating the kick-off to construction on the expansion of the Calgary Composting Facility, signifying the City’s commitment to a sustainable future for Calgarians.
“Since its inception in 2017, Calgarians have demonstrated their remarkable commitment to reducing landfill waste by embracing our Green Cart program,” says Tanner Fellinger, Manager of Process Infrastructure Delivery – Utilities Delivery with the City of Calgary. “With our city rapidly growing along with Calgarians’ desire to compost, this expansion ensures our city remains at the forefront of sustainable waste management practices. Today’s groundbreaking is a demonstration of the hard work and commitment of the Utilities Delivery and Waste and Recycling Services teams collaborating to make this important project a reality.”
The Calgary Composting Facility, which is one of the largest of its kind in Canada, will be increasing its processing capabilities with the expansion where an additional 60,000 tonnes will be added to food and yard waste capacity, bringing total capacity to 160,000 tonnes. It also introduces new technology to the facility in the form of an anaerobic digestion system, enabling the facility to process even more material while generating and capturing biogas, which will result in lowered greenhouse gas emissions.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the expansion contributes to the City’s climate initiatives.
“The Composting Facility expansion is a testament to Calgary’s innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability,” says Gondek. “As we enhance our waste management capabilities and integrate cutting-edge technologies, we are propelling Calgary towards a greener future and reinforcing our role as a leader in this field. Together, we are building a legacy of sustainability that will empower Calgarians today and well into the future.”
The $89.6 million expansion is being funded by multiple sources including the City of Calgary’s Green Cart program and federal funding through low interest loans and grants from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:
“Canadians continue to be concerned about the amount of food and yard waste that is produced and are changing the ways in which they manage their waste to help protect the environment. By investing in the expansion of Calgary’s composting facility, we are supporting the city of Calgary to meet the demands of its residents, all while reducing GHG pollution coming from landfills and waste. Green infrastructure investments in Canadian communities like the one we are announcing today help us on the path to a net-zero future.”
Scott Pearce, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM):
“Investments like the one we’re announcing today in Calgary highlights the importance of working together to tackle climate change while improving the lives of Canadians. Expanding Calgary’s composting facility will create jobs, reduce emissions, and generate power and revenue from a renewable energy source. We are on the path to net zero, and only together can we find smart and sustainable solutions.”
Construction began in April this year with completion expected in late 2025.
To learn about the Calgary Composting Facility, visit: http://www.calgary.ca/compostfacility
