Commercial
Waste-to-Energy
Solutions
We help commercial and industrial businesses in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec assess what can be reused, recycled, evaluated for refuse-derived fuel, or considered for an appropriate energy-recovery pathway. The goal is a practical program that protects recyclable value first and reduces avoidable landfill use.
A practical next step for
residual waste
After reusable and recyclable materials are separated, some non-hazardous residuals may be suitable for refuse-derived fuel or another approved energy-recovery route. Eligibility depends on the material, contamination, volume, location, and acceptance requirements for the selected pathway.
What a SOL assessment covers
- ✓ Material types, current handling, contamination, and monthly volume
- ✓ What can be separated for reuse, recycling, or material recovery first
- ✓ Whether remaining material may be appropriate for RDF or another energy-recovery pathway
- ✓ Collection, storage, logistics, documentation, and rollout requirements
Is waste-to-energy the right fit for
your facility?
The strongest opportunities usually involve consistent, measurable commercial waste streams with enough volume to justify a structured collection and recovery program.
Consistent residual
waste
Recurring non-hazardous material that remains after practical recycling and separation steps.
Landfill-reduction
goals
Facilities working toward a more complete waste hierarchy and a clearer zero-waste roadmap.
Product destruction
residues
Approved residual material left after secure destruction, depackaging, or commodity recovery.
Multi-site visibility
Operations that need consistent routing, documentation, and performance tracking across locations.
Important: Not every material qualifies. Acceptance must be confirmed before collection or delivery.
Check Your Waste StreamRecycling, RDF and energy recovery should work in the right order
A strong program protects recyclable value first, then evaluates suitable residuals for recovery.
Identify avoidable material and reuse opportunities.
Recover cardboard, paper, plastic, metal, organics, and other viable commodities.
Review suitable remaining material for RDF or an approved energy-recovery route.
Track routing clearly and identify the next improvement opportunity.
Choose the route that matches the material
This comparison helps operations and sustainability teams distinguish material recovery from energy recovery.
| Pathway | Best Fit | SOL's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 Reuse + recycling | Clean, separable materials that retain commodity or reuse value. | Assessment, separation plan, collection, and recycling program support. |
| Residual route RDF / energy recovery | Suitable non-hazardous residuals that meet the acceptance criteria for an approved recovery pathway. | Material review, program planning, logistics, and available documentation support. |
| Last option Disposal | Material without a practical, approved reuse, recycling, or recovery route. | Identify why the material remains and where future reduction may be possible. |
Refuse-Derived Fuel,
explained clearly
A prepared fuel made from suitable residual materials after recoverable commodities are removed.
Where RDF may fit in a
commercial waste program
Refuse-derived fuel, commonly called RDF, is a prepared fuel made from suitable residual materials after recoverable commodities are removed. Exact acceptance requirements vary by material, processing pathway and end use.
- ✓ Recyclable commodities should be removed before RDF evaluation.
- ✓ Composition and contamination are reviewed as part of material qualification.
- ✓ Photos, specifications, samples or other material information may be requested before approval.
- ✓ Program reporting should distinguish recycling from energy recovery.
How We Assess and Build a Waste
Recovery Program
The framework below reflects SOL's documented assessment, material review, implementation and documentation approach. The exact program is tailored to the waste stream, location and approved pathway.
Understand the
Waste Stream
We review locations, waste types, volumes, current handling, goals, and operating constraints.
Review Materials
Photos, specifications, or approved samples help clarify what can be reused, recycled, or evaluated for recovery.
Recommend the
Appropriate Pathway
We recommend a practical hierarchy for the material and explain the acceptance requirements that apply to the selected pathway.
Implement the
Program
Collection, containers, staff instructions, scheduling, and other approved implementation details are organized around your operation.
Document and
Review
Available program records and reviews help your team understand how materials were managed and identify the next improvement opportunity.
What to look for in a commercial
waste recovery partner
The right provider should assess your waste before recommending a route. Look for clear material criteria, practical operations support, transparent pathway requirements, and appropriate documentation.
Recycling comes first
We look for reusable and recyclable materials before recommending a residual-waste pathway.
Built around operations
The program is shaped around your volumes, storage, staff, collection windows, and locations.
Clear documentation expectations
Ask what records are available for the selected program instead of relying on vague sustainability claims.
Clear pathway requirements
We explain the material, acceptance and logistics requirements that apply to the approved program.
Serving Ontario, British Columbia & Quebec
Businesses across Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec generate residual materials that are not always practical to reuse or recycle. SOL Recycling helps commercial and industrial facilities assess these waste streams, prioritize recyclable materials first, and determine whether eligible residual material can be directed to refuse-derived fuel (RDF) or another suitable energy-recovery pathway.
Waste-to-Energy Solutions in Ontario
For Ontario businesses, we assess recurring commercial and industrial waste streams to identify reuse and recycling opportunities first, then evaluate suitable residual material for RDF or another appropriate energy-recovery pathway. For facilities exploring refuse-derived fuel in Ontario, the assessment starts with the actual material and its fit for an approved program. Program fit depends on the material, volume, location, logistics and applicable acceptance criteria.
Comparing waste-to-energy companies in OntarioLook for a provider that reviews the actual waste stream before recommending a route, explains what materials may qualify, separates recycling from energy recovery in reporting, and can describe the operational requirements for the program.
Waste-to-Energy Solutions in British Columbia
For businesses in British Columbia, we use the same recycling-first assessment: identify recoverable commodities, understand the remaining residual stream, and evaluate whether an appropriate waste-to-energy or RDF pathway may fit the operation. Acceptance is based on the specific material and program requirements.
Keep the waste hierarchy clearEnergy recovery should address appropriate residual material after practical reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities have been considered.
Waste-to-Energy Solutions in Quebec
For Quebec businesses, we assess commercial and industrial waste streams using the same core service model: understand the material, separate viable recycling opportunities, and evaluate suitable residuals for an approved recovery pathway. Program details are determined by material characteristics, volume, location and acceptance requirements.
Built around the actual waste streamQuebec programs begin with the same practical questions: what materials are generated, what can be recycled first, what residuals remain, and which approved recovery options may fit the operation.
Designed for businesses with measurable, recurring waste streams
Program fit depends more on material and volume than on industry alone.
Distribution + warehousing
Packaging, damaged inventory, mixed residuals, and multi-site collection programs.
Industrial + manufacturing
Production residuals, off-spec materials, packaging, and process-related waste streams.
Retail + multi-site operations
Consistent programs for stores, distribution hubs, returns, and product destruction.
Food + beverage production
Packaging and suitable residual materials assessed alongside separate organics routes.
Product destruction
Recovery options for approved residues after secure destruction and separation.
Aviation + transportation
Complex facility streams that require clear sorting, handling, and routing procedures.
Commercial Waste-to-Energy FAQs
Explore common questions about commercial Waste-to-Energy, including which residual materials may qualify, how refuse-derived fuel (RDF) fits into a recycling-first approach, what to look for in a provider, and how requirements can differ across Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
What Waste-to-Energy solutions can SOL assess for commercial businesses?
The right route depends on the waste stream. We begin by identifying what can be reused or recycled, then evaluate whether suitable residual material may fit refuse-derived fuel or another appropriate energy-recovery pathway. Material acceptance is confirmed only after review.
How should businesses compare Waste-to-Energy providers?
Look for a provider that reviews the actual waste stream before recommending a route, explains what materials may qualify, separates recycling from energy recovery in reporting, and can describe the operational requirements for the program.
What is refuse-derived fuel, and when may it fit?
Refuse-derived fuel is a prepared fuel made from suitable residual materials after recoverable commodities are removed. Exact acceptance requirements depend on the material, contamination, volume, processing pathway and end use.
Can Waste-to-Energy support a Zero Waste to Landfill program?
Waste-to-Energy can support a broader landfill-diversion strategy for residual material that cannot reasonably be reused or recycled. However, whether energy recovery counts toward a Zero Waste to Landfill certification depends on the specific certification standard. Reduction, reuse and recycling should be prioritized first.
Does energy from waste count as recycling in Ontario?
No. In Ontario, energy-from-waste and alternative fuels are permitted waste-management options, but they are not considered recycling and do not count toward diversion under Ontario’s Waste-Free Ontario strategy.
What information does SOL need to assess our waste stream?
SOL will typically need information about the material types, current handling, contamination, monthly volume, facility location, storage, collection process and your recycling or landfill-diversion goals.
Does SOL provide Waste-to-Energy service in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec?
Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec are primary markets for this service. Material acceptance and the exact recovery pathway are confirmed case by case.
Request a
commercial waste
assessment
Tell us what your facility generates, where it is located, and how the material is handled today. We will help identify the practical next step.
1-888-SOL-3001For commercial and industrial inquiries. Acceptance is subject to review.
Tell us about your waste stream
Submitting this form does not confirm material acceptance. SOL will review your information and explain the next step.
Build a broader Zero Waste to Landfill program
Waste-to-Energy can address appropriate residual material, while SOL's dedicated Zero Waste Program remains the broader destination for reduction, reuse, recycling and landfill-diversion planning.