Quebec’s government gave formal approval on July 2, 2026 for a temporary expansion of the province’s largest landfill, located in Terrebonne north of Montreal. The authorization permits higher garbage piles at the site for a period of one year, a measure taken as the landfill approaches its maximum capacity.
The decision follows an assessment that the Terrebonne facility will reach its full operational limit within the next twelve months. By allowing a temporary increase in the height of waste deposits, officials aim to keep the landfill functional while longer‑term solutions are considered.
The expansion is classified as an emergency approval, reflecting the urgency of the capacity shortfall. The government’s brief outlined that the temporary measure does not alter the overall design of the site but merely raises the permissible pile height for the specified timeframe.
Terrebonne serves as Quebec’s primary waste disposal location, handling a significant share of the province’s municipal solid waste. Its proximity to Montreal makes it a central hub for waste generated in the metropolitan area. As the site nears its limit, the temporary lift in capacity is intended to prevent immediate disruptions to waste collection services across the region.
The approval does not include any permanent changes to the landfill’s footprint or long‑term operating permits. Officials indicated that the one‑year window will allow additional time for planning and implementation of more sustainable waste management strategies, including potential new sites or recycling initiatives.
Stakeholders, including local municipalities and environmental groups, have been informed of the temporary measure. The government emphasized that monitoring will continue throughout the expansion period to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to assess the landfill’s performance under the higher load.
The temporary expansion is set to begin shortly after the announcement, with the new height limits applied to incoming waste streams until the end of the one‑year period, after which a review will determine the next steps for waste disposal in the province.