How much solid waste do we generate?
Student worksheet 1 answers

1. The total waste generated in Canada in 2002 was 30,455,524 tonnes.
2. Waste generation appears to be increasing, because the total waste generated in 2002 (30,455,524 tonnes) was higher than in 2000 (29,307,405 tonnes).
3. i) Residential sources ii) Industrial, commercial and institutional sources iii) Construction, renovation and demolition sources.
4. Answers will vary.
5. Answers will vary, see below for example.
   
6. Answers will vary.
7. Answers will vary, see below for examples.
   
   

   List of waste your household contributes

   Organics	Paper	Plastic	Glass	Metal	Other
   -food waste -yard waste	-newspaper -flyers -packaging -paper towels -paper bags office/school use paper	-packaging -plastic bottles -plastic bags -toys	-glass bottles -packaging	-appliances -electronics -pop cans	-wood products -tires -furniture -clothing

8. The graph illustrates that both waste generation and GDP are rising. This implies that increases in waste generation may be related to growth in the Canadian economy.
9. Waste generation in Canada has been increasing due to various reasons, such as:
   • The growth of the Canadian economy has contributed to increased waste generation.
   • Changes in society, such as the trend towards fewer people per household. This is because all household regardless of their size consume certain goods such as appliances, newspapers and other products.
   • Changing consumer preference for disposable and convenience items.
   • Often times it is more economical to buy new products than to repair or upgrade.
10. 1. The three provinces that generated the most waste in 2002 were: Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
    2. Ontario – 4,388,239 tonnes, Quebec – 3,471,000 tonnes, British Columbia – 1,354,177 tonnes
    3. The three provinces that generated the most waste per capita in 2002 were: Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and Manitoba.
    4. See below for example.
       
    5. In general, per capita waste generation is increasing.