March 9, 2000
To: East York Community Council
Etobicoke Community Council
North York Community Council
Scarborough Community Council
Toronto Community Council
York Community Council
From: Angelos Bacopoulos, General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services
Subject: Proposed Residential Solid Waste Collection By-law
Purpose:
To provide each Community Council an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed residential solid waste
collection by-law.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications as a result of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) this report be received for information; and
(2) any comments regarding the proposed by-law be forwarded no later than April 12, 2000 to the contact noted at the end
of this report.
Background:
Since amalgamation, solid waste collection in the City of Toronto has been regulated by six (6) separate by-laws. Due to
fundamental differences in collection policies and enforcement procedures, the need for a harmonized solid waste
collection by-law is essential.
The former solid waste collection by-laws deal with all services, however, due to the time required to properly research
institutional and commercial eligibility issues and multiple household residential user fees, the draft by-law deals only with
the curbside residential collection requirements. Solid Waste staff, in consultation with the Legal Department, have
prepared a residential solid waste collection by-law that harmonizes collection policies and standardizes enforcement
procedures across the City, while providing a fair and efficient collection system for our customers.
In conjunction with Community Council review, the proposed by-law is currently being presented to the public for
comment. Upon completion of this consultation process, and approval by Council, all applicable portions of the six current
by-laws will be repealed and replaced with the harmonized City of Toronto residential solid waste collection by-law. All
existing by-laws will remain in effect for the purposes of enforcing multiple household bin rental fees and commercial and
institutional collection requirements. Following completion of the institutional and commercial issues, the approved
residential by-law will be amended to encompass all services.
Comments:
The attached proposed by-law ensures that residents receive the same level of service across the City, provides a fair and
efficient enforcement system and ensures that garbage and litter placed on public property is minimized.
The following summarizes key issues addressed in the proposed by-law that may affect the current service levels in each
Community Council Area. In addition, Table 1 outlines the significant changes that will be realized in each Community
Council Area due to the integration of services and restrictions recommended in the proposed by-law.
(a) Development and Redevelopment Requirements (Section 2.4)
This section deals with the requirements of all new developments and redevelopments to adhere to the solid waste
requirements during the site plan approval process. This will ensure that all new and redevelopments plan for appropriate
storage and collection locations. Adherence to this requirement will ensure that problems related to inadequate planning
(including access issues) are addressed prior to construction and will ultimately allow for a smooth transition to city
collection services. The draft document "Requirements for City of Toronto Garbage and Recycling Collection at
Developments and Redevelopments" is presented for comment in a separate report on this agenda.
(b) Mandatory Recycling (Section 2.5)
This section deals with the ability of the City to withdraw waste management services to any single family or multiple
household residence which does not participate fully in the City's recycling program. The purpose of this clause is two fold:
(a) to encourage non-participating locations to participate in the City's recycling program; and, (b) to encourage locations
which consistently put out contaminated materials for collection, to remove all contaminants prior to collection. The
anticipated results will include an increase in multiple household recycling rates and an increase in revenues due to the
additional materials generated combined with the absence of contaminants.
This clause is currently enforced under existing by-laws in Scarborough and Etobicoke. Generally, locations that are
informed of this provision have chosen to participate in the City's recycling program. In addition, in February 1999,
Council approved a staff recommendation that a mandatory recycling clause be included in any new waste management
by-law.
(c) Frequency of Garbage Collection Services (Section 3)
This section summarizes the type and frequency of service provided to each class of property and includes a provision for
summer twice per week collection.
Due to the importance of harmonizing service levels and encouraging waste reduction and recycling, the draft by-law
stipulates that all locations receiving residential curbside garbage collection (including door to door and single point
collection) will be eligible for once per week garbage collection unless there is a verifiable health risk associated with this
frequency (i.e.: limited storage space). This requirement will affect some multiple household locations, including
townhouse locations and low and medium rise buildings. Multiple household locations currently receiving twice per week
curbside collection have been enjoying an additional level of service not currently provided to other locations receiving
curbside collection.
In addition, the provision of once per week collection at multiple household locations will reduce the number of potential
days that garbage is placed at the curb. Currently, locations that receive twice per week collection potentially have garbage
at the curb four days per week. Once per week collection will reduce that to a maximum of two days per week.
Prior to amalgamation, the Scarborough Community Council Area changed curbside garbage collection frequency at all
multiple household locations from twice per week to once per week with no adverse affects on our customers. In addition,
as a result of this change, many of the affected locations opted to participate in the City's recycling program. Locations that
proved to have storage problems that could not be rectified still receive twice per week collection. Prior to enforcement of
this clause, staff plan to recommend a policy that addresses issues associated with collection frequency such as storage
space.
Approximately 653 multiple household locations in the City, with the majority located in the Toronto Community Council
Area, receive twice per week curbside collection of garbage. It is estimated that, if all locations could easily be converted to
once per week garbage collection, and once every other week recycling collection, an annual savings of almost
$250,000.00 may be realized.
Recycling collection frequency for multiple household locations will vary depending on the specific requirements of the
building and whether the location receives curbside blue/grey box collection, cart collection or bulk lift collection. The
minimum collection frequency for multiple household recycling is once every two weeks.
(d) Collection Limits (Section 8)
Section 8.1 limits the amount of items to be set out for residential curbside collection to a maximum of six (6) per
collection. Based on surveys done in various areas throughout the City, the average household puts out 2.86 items for
collection on each collection day. Approximately 4% of the dwellings surveyed put out greater than 6 items on any
collection day. Of these set outs, the average was approximately 9 items with a maximum at one dwelling of 18. In many
instances, these locations did not participate in the City's recycling program during the study period. Setting an item limit
will encourage non-participating residents to recycle, encourage residents to reduce the amount of waste they generate,
increase current recycling rates and encourage the use of backyard composters.
(f) Weight Limits (Section 13.2)
It is recognized that all former municipalities, with the exception of the former City of Toronto, had a weight limit of 23
kg. However, an ergonomic study completed by the former City of Toronto showed that it was problematic for collection
staff to collect garbage containers that are heavier than 20 kg. Studies have shown that the average household puts out
containers that are less that 20 kg and, based on those results, a change in the weight limit would not significantly affect the
current services residents receive, nor the amount of containers set out.
(g) Times for Setting Out Garbage and Recyclables (Section 14)
In an attempt to harmonize set out times, both the desire to maintain clean, aesthetically pleasing streets and the current set
out times were evaluated. While Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke and York stipulated earlier times, the proposed by-law
recommends a "no earlier than 8 p.m. on the day before collection" set out time. This will effectively prohibit the setting
out of garbage at the curb during the evening rush hour and avoid creating an unappealing streetscape, particularly during
the summer months. It is assumed that the change in set out times will not create a significant hardship on residents and
will ultimately provide for a cleaner community.
(h) Preparation of Recyclable Materials for Collection (Section 15)
Recyclable material set out requirements have not changed in each Community Council Area, with the exception of grey
box set outs. Based on studies undertaken for the purposes of this proposed by-law, it was determined that the average
weight per grey box set out filled with paper was approximately 25 pounds. However, 8% of the set outs were over 40 lbs.,
with an average weight of approximately 51 lbs. Heavier boxes, due to overloading or storage in wet weather conditions,
have created a concern about back injuries related to the deeper bend required to lift recycling boxes in comparison to
garbage cans. Based on an ergonomics study undertaken in the former City of Toronto when the grey box was first
introduced, and recent correspondence from the City's ergonomist, it is recommended that residents be required to bag
newspapers and magazines before placing them beside the grey box.
The draft by-law reflects these recommendations, however, in an attempt to make the set out easier for residents, prevent
paper from blowing out of the boxes, maintain or increase productivity and to ensure that staff are not exposed to back
injuries, it is proposed that annual collection calendars advertise that residents be required to bag their newspapers and
magazines and place the bags on top of the loose paper in the grey box. The collector then has the option of picking up the
paper in one lift, depending on the weight, or remove individual bags.
(i) Prohibited Acts (Section 19)
This section summarizes such activities as illegal dumping and any other type of disturbance of garbage and materials
placed at the curb. In particular, this section deals with littering and the abuse of public litter bins.
(j) Charging of Expenses Against the Property (Section 20)
This policy was practised in the former Cities of Scarborough and Etobicoke and allows By-law Enforcement Officers to
add the cost of clean-up orders to individual property taxes. In addition to using this as a punitive measure, this ensures that
the City recoups all costs for clean-ups, and in the case of a rented dwelling, the owner will ultimately be responsible for
their tenants' actions. Previous practice has shown that this is a deterrent for those that abuse the collection services and are
in constant contravention of the by-law.
Conclusions:
The proposed residential solid waste collection by-law has been developed to provide a fair and equitable collection system
for our customers and also addresses opportunities for improved service delivery, increased efficiencies and increased
waste diversion. Comments received from each Community Council, coupled with comments received from our customers
will be incorporated into the draft by-law prior to submission to the Works Committee in June 2000.
Contact:
Catharine Daniels
Senior Analyst, Policy Development
Solid Waste Management Services
Works and Emergency Services
Metro Hall, 19th Floor
Phone: 392-4632
Fax: 392-4754
E-mail: daniels@toronto.ca
Angelos Bacopoulos
General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services
(draft by-law.doc)
List of Attachments:
Table 1 - Summary of Impacts on Community Council Areas
Draft Residential Solid Waste Collection By-law
Table 1 - Summary of Impacts on each Former Municipality
Item |
Recommendation |
Current Requirements |
|
|
Scarborough |
Toronto |
North York |
Etobicoke |
East York |
York |
# Items/per
Collection
- Residential |
6 |
8 |
None |
6 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
Weight Limit |
20 kgs |
23 kgs |
20 kgs |
23 kgs |
23 kgs |
22 kgs |
23 kgs |
Set Out Times
- Residential |
Daytime 8 pm
Night-time 8 pm |
6 p.m. - 7 am |
8 p.m. - 7 am
6 pm - 11 pm |
10 p.m. - 7:30
am
6 pm - 11 pm |
6p.m.-7 a.m. |
4:30 p.m. - 7
a.m. |
6p.m.-7 a.m. |
Removal from
street |
Daytime - 10 p.m.
Nighttime - 10
a.m. |
10 p.m. |
Daytime - 7 p.m.
Nighttime - none |
Daytime -8 p.m.
Nighttime- none |
8 pm |
Same day |
No provision |
Grey Box Set
Out |
Newspapers,
Magazines and
books in bags and
place in grey box
on top of loose
paper or place
beside grey box. |
Bag newspaper/
magazines/books
and place beside
grey box |
Bag newspaper/
magazines/books
and place beside
grey box |
Loose in grey box |
Bag newspapers
etc, and place in
grey box |
Loose in grey box |
Requirements in
2000 calendar
reflect the
Etobicoke
requirements |
Mandatory
Recycling |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Single Family
Garbage
Container Sizes |
Not less than 30
litres and not
greater than 125
litres
Not greater than
95 cm high
Not greater than
60 cm wide |
Not greater than
80 cm high
Not greater than
50 cm wide |
Not less than 30
litres and not
greater than 125
litres
Not greater than
100 cm high
Not greater than
60 cm wide |
Not greater than
76 cm high
Not greater than
46 cm wide |
Not less than 0.5
cubic metres and
not greater than
0.15 cubic metres |
Not greater than
30 inches high
Not greater than
18 inches wide |
Maximum 3.5
cubic feet |
SCHEDULE "A"
SPECIAL COLLECTION SERVICES
1.1 The City shall provide Special Collection Services to Householders and Eligible Owners with respect to the following
items:
(a) refrigerators;
(b) stoves;
(c) freezers;
(d) air conditioners;
(e) dehumidifiers;
(f) washing machines;
(g) clothes dryers;
(h) dishwashers;
(i) barbecues;
(j) large metal objects (e.g. aluminium door);
(k) tires (maximum of 5); and
(l) any other item designated by the Commissioner as eligible for Special Collection Services.
1.2 The Householder or Owner shall remove all doors from the appliances referred to above before they are set out for
collection.
SCHEDULE "B"
0.1 The following items shall be deemed to be Recyclable Materials for the purposes of this By-law:
(a) glass bottles and jars;
(b) metal food and beverage cans;
(c) plastic bottles and jugs made of high density polyethylene (HDPE #2) or polyethyleneterapthalate (PET #1);
(d) household paper (including junk mail, writing and computer paper and envelopes);
(e) paper egg cartons, rolls and bags;
(f) boxboard;
(g) newspapers;
(h) telephone directories;
(i) magazines and catalogues; and
(j) clean, unwaxed corrugated cardboard; and
(k) any other item designated as a Recyclable Material by the Commissioner.
11.1 The following items shall be deemed to be Yard Waste for the purpose of this By-law:
(a) plant cuttings, roots, weeds and leaves;
(b) hedge and shrub trimmings, brush cuttings, twigs and branches under 7.5 centimetres in diameter;
(c) Christmas trees; and
(d) any other item designated as Yard Waste by the Commissioner.
SCHEDULE "C"
PROHIBITED WASTE
0.1 The following items shall be deemed to be Prohibited Waste for the purposes of this By-law:
(a) acute hazardous waste chemical;
(b) hazardous waste chemical;
(c) corrosive waste;
(d) hazardous industrial waste;
(e) ignitable waste;
(f) PCB waste;
(g) radioactive waste;
(h) reactive waste;
(i) severely toxic waste;
(j) leachate toxic waste;
(k) pathological waste including biomedical waste, whether solid or liquid, including but not limited to any animal or
human organ or part thereof; bone, muscle or other animal or human tissue or part thereof; used bandages, poultices,
dressings, medicines, vitamins, drugs, vaccines, needles, syringes, vials or any other similar material or substance which
contains or may contain pathogenic micro-organisms or which may be hazardous or dangerous and anything designated as
pathological waste by Regulation 347;
(l) any household product, material or item labelled as "corrosive", "toxic", "reactive", "explosive", "oxidizing", "poisonous
infectious" or "flammable", including but not limited to the following:
(i) pool or photographic chemicals;
(ii) laundry bleach;
(iii) drain, oven, toilet and carpet cleaning solutions;
(iv) paint thinner and paint remover;
(v) rat and mouse poison;
(vi) flea collars and powders;
(vii) insect killers;
(viii) moth balls;
(ix) weed killers;
(x) fungicides;
(xi) wood preservatives;
(xii) oil-based and latex paints;
(xiii) engine oil;
(xiv) brake and transmission fluid;
(xv) antifreeze;
(xvi) automotive batteries;
(xvii) ni-cad rechargeable batteries;
(xviii) propane tanks;
(xix) other gas tanks, including lighters;
(xx) aerosol containers; and
(xxi) fire extinguishers;
(m) waste generated as a result of construction, demolition or renovation, including but not limited to soil, plaster, drywall,
masonry and tile, bricks, concrete, concrete or cinder blocks, paving stones, asphalt, wood, windows and window glass,
shingles, scrap metal, insulation (such as fibreglass or styrofoam), asbestos, urea formaldehyde;
(n) scrap wood or carpeting, unless it is cut, broken or securely tied into bundles or pieces less that 120 centimetres by 80
centimetres by 80 centimetres and free of all nails and staples, or as may otherwise be designated by the Commissioner;
(o) hay, straw, manure or animal excrement;
(p) any waste in liquid form including but not limited to swill or other organic matter not properly drained and securely
wrapped;
(q) grass clippings or sod;
(r) waste produced by a person or organization involved in the processing or fabrication of products;
(s) waste produced by a person or organization as a result of commercial or retail activity;
(t) any material which has become frozen to or otherwise attached to its Regulation Container which cannot be removed by
shaking;
(u) broken glass, crockery and other sharp objects not packaged in a manner prevent injury to any person;
(v) designated materials and other items which have been banned from landfill or for which reasonable alternative disposal
methods are available, as determined by the Commissioner; and
(w) any other item or thing designated as Prohibited Waste by the Commissioner.
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