Beavers cause drainage issues at Vancouver Landfill in Delta, forcing control measures as waste volumes and recycling efforts continue to evolve.
Beavers Stir Up Trouble at Delta Landfill
Meanwhile, a surprising challenge is popping up at the Vancouver Landfill. Even though the site keeps handling massive volumes of waste each year, beavers are now part of the daily operational headaches.
Also, the landfill, owned and run by the City of Vancouver, has been active since 1966. Plus, it continues to manage close to its annual limit of municipal solid waste.
Waste Levels Stay High, Even as Wildlife Interferes
Meanwhile, the facility recorded about 741,654 tonnes of waste last year. Also, this total sits just under its approved cap of 750,000 tonnes per year.
In addition, waste levels rose slightly compared with 2024. So, operations remain steady even as pressure builds.
Moreover, asbestos waste jumped sharply to 8,586 tonnes in 2025. Then again, this is a noticeable rise from the previous year.
Beavers Block Water Flow Near Burns Bog
However, the bigger surprise comes from nature itself. As a result, beaver activity continues near the site due to the nearby Burns Bog.
So, beavers build dams inside drainage ditches around the landfill. Because of this, water flow can slow down or stop.
Then, water levels rise in key areas. Consequently, there is a risk of berm overflow if conditions worsen.
Meanwhile, staff regularly remove these dams. Also, they follow wildlife rules while doing so.
In addition, licensed trappers and biologists sometimes relocate beavers. Still, new dams keep forming again and again.
Strong Monitoring Keeps the Site Stable
Meanwhile, crews closely watch the landfill’s perimeter berm. So far, no beaver burrowing has been found in 2025.
Also, this is important because burrows could weaken soil structures. Therefore, monitoring stays active and frequent.
Then again, the site uses engineered covers and phased closures. As a result, about 135.8 hectares have already been closed, which is around 60% of the total footprint.
Recycling and Composting Continue to Grow
Meanwhile, the Zero Waste Centre diverted 1,562 tonnes of materials from landfill use. Also, pilot programs for furniture and durable plastics continued.
In addition, the composting facility processed about 20,300 tonnes of yard waste. Then, it produced and distributed roughly 7,060 tonnes of compost.
So, even while wildlife causes issues, diversion programs keep moving forward.
Long-Term Future Extends Toward 2050
Meanwhile, the landfill’s future timeline has changed. Earlier plans pointed to closure around 2030.
However, Metro Vancouver now expects operations to continue until about 2050. So, the site will stay active much longer than first thought.
In the end, the landfill balances waste management, recycling efforts, and unexpected wildlife challenges. Still, beavers remain one of its most unusual operational obstacles.
