When it comes to managing waste, protecting public health and safety always comes first. Communities want clear proof that energy from waste (EfW) facilities operate safely and transparently. At Emerald Energy from Waste, we maintain strict oversight and proven systems that ensure we handle waste responsibly while protecting people and the environment.
Meeting Ontario’s Urban Waste Challenge
Ontario faces a growing landfill crisis, with provincial landfill capacity expected to run out by 2035. Cities urgently need new waste management solutions that protect communities and support sustainability. Emerald helps fill this gap.
We convert non-recyclable, non-hazardous waste into clean electricity and steam. This process reduces landfill use, cuts emissions, and generates reliable energy. Right now, Emerald produces 10 MW of electricity, enough to power around 6,000 homes each year. We also supply steam to a local recycled paper mill, helping them reduce their use of fossil fuels.
After our expansion, Emerald will process over 900,000 tonnes of waste per year and produce 100 MW of electricity—enough to power 60,000 homes annually. This expansion allows Ontario to treat waste as a resource instead of a burden.
Advanced Emission Controls for Cleaner Air
Modern EfW facilities are some of the most closely monitored waste systems in Canada. Emerald’s environmental screening report confirms that our redevelopment meets or exceeds all provincial and federal air quality standards.
To maintain clean air, Emerald uses an Advanced Pollution Control (APC) system that includes evaporative cooling towers, venturi reactors, baghouse filters, induced draft fans, and selective catalytic reactors. These systems remove contaminants such as acid gases, heavy metals, dioxins, furans, and nitrogen oxides before clean air is released into the atmosphere.
In addition, real-time monitoring ensures we stay within strict limits and allows the public to see how the facility performs. By taking these steps, Emerald keeps emissions well below health-based thresholds, ensuring that surrounding communities breathe clean, safe air.
Independent Health Assessments Confirm Safety
As part of the redevelopment process, Emerald commissioned independent Human Health Impact and Human Health Risk Assessments. These studies, reviewed by regulators, found that the potential health risks from Emerald’s operations are low to negligible.
While the assessments identified nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter as potential concerns, the data showed that most of these pollutants come from regional traffic and transportation sources, not from Emerald’s facility. This finding confirms that Emerald’s operations are not a major contributor to local air quality challenges.
Ongoing Transparency and Community Engagement
Protecting public health goes beyond technology—it requires trust and communication. That’s why Emerald actively engages with local communities through open houses, liaison meetings, and public reporting.
Residents and stakeholders can learn about operations, ask questions, and share feedback. Emerald carefully reviews this input and takes appropriate action to address any concerns. We are also developing a real-time data portal so the public can track the facility’s environmental performance in real time.
By staying open and transparent, Emerald builds lasting trust with the communities it serves.
Shared Benefits for Communities and the Environment
Emerald’s operations deliver more than clean energy—they bring lasting benefits to local communities. By diverting waste away from landfills, we help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut down on long-distance waste transport. This protects the air, reduces costs, and improves local sustainability.
In addition, our facility powers Ontario’s grid and supplies clean steam to the recycled paper industry. These partnerships reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a circular economy that benefits everyone.
The redevelopment also supports skilled construction and long-term operational jobs, strengthening the regional economy and providing opportunities for local workers. Together, these benefits make Emerald a trusted partner in building a cleaner and more resilient Ontario.
A Safe Path Forward for Ontario
When managed responsibly, energy from waste is not a risk to public health—it’s a sustainable solution. Through advanced technology, continuous monitoring, and open communication, Emerald Energy from Waste demonstrates that cities can safely manage residual waste without compromising air quality or community well-being.
For residents across the Greater Toronto Area, this means their waste is handled responsibly and sustainably, with public health at the forefront.
