[/caption]It seems a report in the Toronto Star has caused the outing of a little known rule for collection personal who drive our streets to collect household recycling. In an effort to achieve maximum collection efficiency- that is, the amount a team can pick up in a shift, there is a rule that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycling.
This action could result in a risk of homeowners choosing not to participate but instead throw their excess recycling or compost into the garbage, a city report states
This information was presented to council in a motion for information request by by Councillor Ootes, seconded by Councillor Stintz
Their motion ends with this paragraph
There should not be a limit placed on the amount of recycling that a homeowner can dispose of at their curbside. There should be a convenient, simple and encouraging program that allows for excess recycling to homeowners when the need does occur.
Full motion jump below.
MM41.11 Costs and Issues Related to Excess Household Recycling –
Information Report Request, by Councillor Ootes, seconded by
Councillor Stintz
* Notice of this Motion has been given.
* This Motion is subject to referral to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. A two thirds vote is required to waive referral.
Recommendations
Councillor Ootes, seconded by Councillor Stintz, recommends that:
1. City Council direct the General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services to report back to the next meeting of City Council, on the costs that are incurred with picking up the excess bagged recycling.
2. City Council direct the General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services to also include in the report the direct impact on the waste diversion program based on not picking up excess bagged recycling, which could ultimately end up in landfill.
Summary
The City of Toronto has implemented aggressive diversion programs to reduce waste from our landfills including the Green Bin, Blue Bins and user-pay Garbage bin program. The success of these programs relies on the ability of the homeowner to effectively participate in the City’s diversion efforts. If recycling, or any other program, was to become an
inconvenience, there could be a risk of homeowners choosing not to participate but instead throw their excess recycling or compost into the garbage.
On some occasions, households may find that they have an excess amount of recycling. The easiest solution is to place the recycling in a clear or clear-blue plastic bag beside the recycling container to indicate to the Solid Waste driver that it is recycling. However, according to a recent interview in the Toronto Star, the Solid Waste Division has indicated that there is a rule that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycling for fear of achieving maximum efficiency.
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There should not be a limit placed on the amount of recycling that a homeowner can dispose of at their curbside. There should be a convenient, simple and encouraging program that allows for excess recycling to homeowners when the need does occur.
(Submitted to City Council on October 26 and 27, 2009 as MM41.11)
there is a rule
that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycli
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