Nunavut does not yet have legislation that pertains directly to solid waste management, nor is there a specific strategy for solid waste management. Nunavut has an Environmental Protection Act that focuses on preservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment.

More information on waste management in Nunavut: Solid Waste Management in Nunavut: A Backgrounder

Diversion Rates (Tonnes) 2016

Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Plastics diversion rates not available for the territories.

All materials diverted	32,612
White goods	N/A
Electronics	128
Plastics	N/A
Tires	1,175
Construction, renovation and demolition	N/A
Other materials	N/A

Source: Statistics Canada, 2016

Material Recovery Overview:

The City of Iqualuit recently received federal funding for a municipal solid waste facility. Soon the City will divert 44 per cent of its waste from landfill. 

Voluntary EPR Programs

The Arctic Co-operatives Beverage Container Recycling Program operates in 23 communities in Nunavut with funding from the Co-operatives. Arctic Co-operatives Limited is a service federation that is owned and controlled by 31 community-based Co-operative business enterprises that are located in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Arctic Co-operatives Limited coordinates the resources, consolidates the purchasing power and provides operational and technical support to the community based Co-operatives to enable them to provide a wide range of services to their local member owners in an economical manner.

Disposal Options

Energy Recovery from Waste Approach	There are no large MSW incinerators in NU
Landfill Operations	With the exception of Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Repulse Bay, all other communities in NU practice open burning of waste (even though NU has a policy that only non-treated wood, paper, and cardboard are acceptable for open burning).