CNWM is responsible for implementing a waste strategy that is sustainable and serves all residents and businesses in the Central Region.

CNWM is guided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Strategy. Targets for modern waste management are established in the strategy, released in 2002. The primary goals are:

• to keep 50% of solid waste out of the landfill;
• to reduce the number of waste disposal sites by 80%;
• to eliminate open burning and incineration;
• to phase out unlined landfills.