Sustainable Waste Management | Continuing Education

This program is no longer accepting applications. If you are currently enrolled in this program, please email the program contact about plans for completion.

About the program

As countries around the world seek to efficiently reduce and manage their waste in response to global environmental targets, the field of waste management is playing a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities. If you want to apply your environmental and technical skills on the front lines of the fight against climate change, the Sustainable Waste Management graduate certificate program will provide you with industry-leading skills to work in a variety of industrial, municipal or organizational settings. By understanding how waste systems function, you can develop informed solutions, whether you are assessing diversion rates for solid and organic waste, introducing cutting-edge technologies, or demonstrating what it means to shift to a circular economy. Apply your learning through applied research projects and work with community and industry partners to identify innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Admission requirements

Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in the areas of civil engineering, environmental studies, or general sciences from an accredited college or university

A combination of academic studies and a minimum of 3 years of related industry/professional experience.

Note re: admission requirements

Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please refer to English language requirements for details.

Admission procedures

Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
Applicants not meeting the credential requirements must submit a resume outlining work experience and career goals. Please submit the resume directly to the Conestoga College Admissions Office.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates will be prepared to apply their environmental and technical skills in a variety of industrial, municipal, or organizational settings in roles such as waste reduction coordinator, waste diversion program coordinator, waste management technician, or waste reduction education officer.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

Quantify waste in order to comply with legislative requirements for waste management services, systems, and facilities.
Plan and implement waste management projects, following legislative requirements, standard procedures, and environmental best practices.
Investigate circular economy opportunities for consumable packaging to recommend options that assist businesses, industry and government to meet or exceed legislation including waste minimization, product reuse, and enhanced recycling.
Collect data and apply appropriate statistical tools and methodologies to effectively interpret and process information.
Produce and present research findings and reports related to waste management issues, challenges, and environmental concerns to a variety of stakeholders.
Educate and inform a variety of audiences in areas of waste diversion and waste management using appropriate educational strategies and techniques.

Program related resources

Student Academic Handbook

Program contact

ce-engineering@conestogac.on.ca

Interested in taking this program full time?

See our Sustainable Waste Management (Optional Co-op) full-time program for more information.

Continuing Education

Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Now open
Spring registration: Opens March 2, 2026

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.