STAFF REPORT
January 20, 2000
To: Works Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Promotional Opportunities for Reuse and Recycling of Construction and
Demolition Waste
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to respond to requests from the East York Community Council and
the 3Rs Sub-Committee for a report on the implementation of the Home Again Recycling Depot
proposal.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are minimal funding implications arising from this report. The estimated cost to produce and
provide the required 30,000 brochures for 2000 is approximately $1,000.00.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received and forwarded to the East York Community Council
and the Toronto 3Rs Sub-Committee for information.
Background:
On April 28 and 29, 1999 the East York Community Council (EYCC) had before it a proposal from
Home Again Recycling Depot requesting that information on companies that reclaim used building
materials be included with building permit applications. The EYCC endorsed the proposal in
principle and requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to submit a report to
the Works and Utilities Committee and the EYCC on how this program could be implemented. On
May 3, 1999 the Toronto 3Rs Sub-Committee had this same proposal before them and also requested
a report.
- 2 -
Comments:
The Home Again Recycling Depot proposal recommended that a pilot project be implemented with
the East York District Building Division of Urban Planning and Development Services to distribute
to building permit applicants a brochure on companies that reuse and recycle construction and
demolition waste. This would increase awareness among individuals and contractors doing
renovations that companies exist that will accept demolition and construction waste for reuse and
recycling, rather than disposal. Examples of items that are accepted by these companies and then
re-sold include sinks, taps, tubs, tiles, doors, windows, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, mirrors and
light fixtures.
Staff from Solid Waste Management Services and Urban Planning and Development Services have
discussed this proposal and concluded that it has merit, not only for the Community Council Area
of East York but for the rest of the City as well. Subsequently, Urban Planning and Development
Services discussed the matter with Home Again Recycling Depot and this promotional program will
be expanded to include all six locations throughout the City of Toronto where building permits are
available.
Effective March 1, 2000, information related to the removal and reuse of building materials resulting
from renovation and demolition projects will be made available at each of the six building permit
offices in the City of Toronto. This information will be in the form of a brochure that will identify
reuse and recycling opportunities and list companies in the GTA that accept these materials for reuse
and recycling. The brochures will be produced and printed by Works and Emergency Services.
Customer service staff at the offices where building permits are issued will also be prepared to
advise applicants of the program.
Staff will contact all known construction and demolition waste reuse companies in the GTA to
advise them of this promotional opportunity and obtain information to be listed in the brochure. We
will also make it clear in the brochure that the City does not endorse any of the organizations listed
and does not make any representations regarding the competence of the relevant organizations.
Additionally, effective March 1, 2000, these construction and demolition reuse and recycling
companies will be listed on the City of Toronto web site at www.city.toronto.on.ca/garbage.
