The Vancouver Landfill is set to operate for an extended period beyond its initial closure date. Originally scheduled for shut down in 2030, the landfill situated in Delta, B.C., has seen an unexpected extension in its operational lifespan. This extension, attributed to ground settling that has created additional capacity for waste disposal, will now allow the landfill to remain open for an additional 20 years. According to Paul Henderson from Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Services, this extension is projected to result in cost savings of $300 million for residents and businesses in future disposal fees.
While the landfill’s extended operation until 2050 offers financial benefits, the future destination of the region’s waste beyond that point remains uncertain. Henderson speculates that waste management post-2050 may involve transporting garbage to locations in B.C.’s Interior or potentially to the United States.