The City of Hamilton's goal is to divert 65 per cent of its residential garbage away from the landfill by 2021, but in recent years progress has stalled.

The waste diversion rate was just 17 per cent in 2001 before the city's waste management department made a concerted push to send less waste to the Glanbrook landfill. Achieving the 65 per cent goal would extend the landfill's life expectancy by decades, city staff have told council.

The diversion rate rose sharply between 2001-2009, however, it appears progress has slowed in recent years.

Data provided by the city's public works department shows the waste diversion rate was stuck at 49 per cent for three years, before slightly declining to 48 per cent in 2013 — the most recent year available.

The waste diversion number cited refers to residential garbage only.