Why is the Region conducting four different pilot projects on bi-weekly (every other week) garbage collection options?
Many other municipalities have already moved to a bi-weekly garbage collection. Results from these municipalities show that bi-weekly collection increases diversion, reduces greenhouse gases and lowers costs.
Why is Peel Region looking at garbage collection options now?
Regional Council has directed that bi-weekly garbage collection pilot projects be carried out to provide information on the effectiveness of various collection options. Peel Region’s current collection contracts expire at the end of 2015 making now the right time to determine the best solution for Peel residents.
Why can’t we just leave the garbage collection program the way it is?
The Region of Peel seeks to be a leader in sustainable practices, protecting our natural environment and the quality of life our residents enjoy. Peel Region is committed to responsibly managing the increasing demands of our growing community by looking at how we can increase the effectiveness of the green bin and blue box to direct valuable resources from disposal while managing costs.
How were the pilot project areas chosen?
The pilot areas in Brampton and Mississauga were chosen so as to have the approximate same housing type and size in order that results can be compared. The Caledon area was chosen so as to include both a rural and urban area in the pilot program.
What if I don’t want to participate?
Your participation and feedback is very important to us. In order for us to fully understand the pros and cons of the various collection options we need participation by our residents in the various pilot project areas and we ask for your cooperation. Residents in the pilot project areas will be asked to provide feedback both throughout the process and more formally, via a survey towards the end of the program. Please email us or call 905-791-9499 to discuss your involvement.
What if I can’t reduce my waste to fit into the collection program in my area?
We recognize that pilot project participants will have to adapt to a new collection system. By maximizing use of your green bin and recycling containers (blue box/carts), you will reduce your waste considerably. Our waste audits have shown us that currently, much of the contents of what residents are putting in their garbage could be diverted into their recycling or organics streams. Maximizing diversion opportunities will reduce your garbage waste considerably. If you require an additional green bin or recycling container, please contact us at 905-791-9499 or 905-584-2216 (Caledon residents).
In circumstances where participants cannot adhere to their collection parameter, tags for additional garbage bags may be purchased at a cost of $5.00 per sheet of 5 tags. You can also buy garbage tags online using a VISA or MasterCard.
What should I do with diapers?
We recognize that diaper disposal can be an issue but we want to understand the impacts and challenges that a permanent shift to bi-weekly collection would pose so we ask that residents try to adhere to the bi-weekly collection schedule for disposal. Other options include utilizing a diaper service or using cloth instead of disposable diapers. If neither of these options are acceptable, during the term of the pilot project we will allow residents in the pilot areas to dispose of dedicated loads of diapers (bags containing diapers only) for free at the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs). Please contact the Region at 905-791-9499 for more information regarding disposal at the CRCs.
What do I do if I go on vacation?
As per the current process, you have the following options:
Hold onto the material until your next collection, recognizing that you are still asked to comply with the collections parameter in your area and that bags above the limit will require garbage tags. Garbage tags are available at a cost of $5.00 per sheet of 5 tags. To purchase garbage tags online using VISA or MasterCard visit peelregion.ca/waste.
Ask your neighbours/family members to set your material at the curb on your collection day. This practice also supports the security of your home by making it appear that someone is at the house.
Take your material to the CRC for disposal.
As a participant in the pilot project, how can I provide my input?
Participant input is encouraged. Pilot participants will have several formal and informal opportunities to provide feedback. Evaluation/comment forms will be available on-line and as well, participants may call, email, write or provide comments in-person during the Open House in their area. Please know that participant input will not be attributed to individuals and that confidentiality will be kept.
What are the main considerations in deciding which option to choose?
There are many considerations but generally speaking, balancing service with environmental protection and fiscal responsibility remain the key principles in guiding the decision-making process. The goal of the long-term waste management strategy is to achieve a 70% diversion by 2016. We are currently at 50% (not including Energy-from-Waste diversion). Staff will review the success of the pilot projects based on participation, diversion rates and feedback and provide a recommendation to Regional Council to determine the future direction of Peel’s waste management collection services.
How will the pilot programs be evaluated?
Waste diversion and participation rates will be measured as part of the evaluation that will be conducted for the pilot projects. Staff will be conducting formal reviews (or audits) of the material set out curbside using a random sample of households in each pilot area. Please note that for those homes selected for auditing, confidentially will be maintained and information will not be attributed to specific homeowners.
A total of four audits will be conducted - one per season (spring, summer, fall and winter) for a two week period during which time staff will be sorting out the garbage/recycling/organics into its different components. These audits will indicate:
the amount of material in the garbage available to be diverted to our existing programs
the effect that bi-weekly waste collection has on our diversion- (currently we are at 50% and our goal is 70%)
the participation in our existing programs
the level of contamination in the blue box
the level of contamination in the green bin
Staff will also be conducting set out studies -- a visual inspection of what is out at the curb to determine the participation rate in each pilot area.
Information gathered during the audits along with other evaluation criteria including participant feedback, will be presented to Regional Council for their use in determining the future direction for Peel Region’s waste management collection services.
When will Regional Council make a decision on the results of the pilot program?
It is anticipated that a report will be brought forward to Regional Council in the summer/fall of 2013.
Will my taxes change as result in participation in the pilot project?
Your taxes will not change as a result of your participation in this program.
How much is this pilot project going to cost?
The Region of Peel recognizes that waste management is a vital and complex service requiring significant investment and commitment to whatever collection option is chosen. The investment we make now to this important decision-making process will be realized several times over as new garbage collection practices are expected to achieve savings of over one million dollars a year. The estimated cost of the pilot projects is one million dollars. If the pilot projects are successful, it is expected that these costs would be recovered within the first year of implementation of a new, Region-wide collection program which would likely be in effect in 2016.
