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1998 Environment Days
The Works and Utilities Committee recommends that:
(1) advance approval be given to proceed with 28 Environment Days, one in each ward, and that the Interim Functional Lead for Solid Waste Management be requested to submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee on the issue of geographic areas that might require a second Environment Day; and
(2) dates for Environment Days in 1998 be allocated to Councillors on a first come, first served basis.
The Works and Utilities Committee reports, for the information of Council, having requested the proposed 3Rs Committee to:
(1) consider the proposals for the 1998 Environment Days and provide any suggestions that might affect the program directly to the Works Department; and
(2) review the results of the 1998 program, solicit comments and feedback from Members of Council for the design of Environment Days in subsequent years, and submit a report thereon to the Committee.
The Works and Utilities Committee submits the following report (January 28, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead for Solid Waste Management:
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to provide background information and plans for the operation of Environment Days in 1998.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funds have been requested for this program in the 1998 operating and capital budget submissions of the Works Department=s Metro Hall location. The total operating and capital costs are $540,000.00 and $100,000.00 respectively, including the cost of household hazardous waste management and disposal.
Recommendation:
That this report be received for information.
Council Reference/Background/History:
Since the program=s inception in 1991, 227 Environment Days were hosted by Metropolitan Councillors and coordinated by the Metro Works Department.
Similarly, many of the Area Municipalities held compost give-a-ways, and community, ravine and watercourse cleanups, hosted by the local councillors.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Environment Days, which take place in public places such as schools, parks and shopping malls, between April and October, allow residents to participate in a variety of environmental activities which are extensions of Works Department programs. The 1997 Environment Days were extremely successful with residents having the opportunity of locally: purchasing a composter, water saving kit, or blue box; picking up free leaf compost; diverting household hazardous waste, clothing, tires, books, polystyrene, tetra paks, polycoat cartons, plastic tubs and bags; and dropping off non-perishable food items. The 1997 Environment Days are summarized in the chart found below.
1997 ENVIRONMENT DAY SUMMARY
(Number of Events - 31)
|
Items Sold or Distributed |
Diversion by Material Type |
|
Item |
Numbers Sold/
Distributed |
Material |
Diversion
(in kgs) |
|
Composters |
2745 |
Household Hazardous Waste |
215,036 |
|
Blue Boxes |
1045 |
Textiles |
34,250 |
|
Water Kits |
367 |
Books |
12,500 |
|
Leaf Compost |
770 (tonnes) |
Tires |
65,000 |
|
|
|
Polystyrene |
800 |
|
|
|
Juice Boxes
(tetra paks) |
425 |
|
|
|
Polycoat cartons |
325 |
|
|
|
Computers |
16,000 |
|
|
|
Plastic Tubs |
1,350 |
|
|
|
Plastic Bags |
2,450 |
|
|
|
Food |
420 |
In 1998, staff plan to continue to coordinate these environmental events by combining the experience of the Works Departments across the new city. Many of the local communities have organized area-wide cleanup days, garage sales and other environmentally related activities. The Works Departments will organize Environment Days to coincide with local community environmental initiatives, whenever possible or feasible.
It is anticipated that the number of Environment Days held in 1998 will be greater than in past years due to increased interest by the public. Councillors will be receiving a letter from staff which will provide pertinent information on Environment Days to assist them in booking their event.
Conclusions:
Environment Days have been very popular to date, allowing residents to participate in a number of environmental programs. Environment Days should continue to be held in 1998.
Contact:
Carolyn McSkimming
Municipal Compost Coordinator (Metro Hall)
Telephone: (416) 392-5807
Fax: (416) 392-4754
E-mail:carolyn_mcskimming-pereira@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca
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