CouncilWatch - City moves to privatize waste collection
April 29, 2011
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Committee moves to private waste collection
On April 26th, Toronto's Public Works & Infrastructure Committee voted 4-2 to seek bids for private waste collection in the western half of the City. They also approved staff recommendations to bypass a final Council decision on the issue, contrary to the City's own purchasing laws. Emily has been researching the issue for the past few months and has found that there are a number of examples where private waste contracts have harmed waste diversion, or penalized cities that introduce new diversion programs. Emily cited the example of York Region, where 4000 tonnes of recyclables went to landfill in 2009 because of ongoing problems with a private contractor. Visit our website to read TEA's deputation to the Committee, our media releases (here and here) and TEA's media coverage on our TEA In The News page. TEA will be working to mobilize our members and talk with Councillors about the issues before the final Council vote on May 17/18.
Contact your Councillor and the Mayor today to let them know that you care about Toronto's waste services -- and that this issue is too important to bypass the City's own laws.
Highland Creek Incinerator
TEA and concerned Scarborough residents spoke out against the proposed sewage sludge incinerator at the Public Works and Infrastructure committee meeting on Tuesday April 26. Sadly, the vote to continue incinerating Toronto's sludge won 4-2.
We've been following this issue for a while - see our recent CouncilWatch, our website for background on this ongoing debate at Council, and media coverage.
TEA will continue to work with Councillors and community residents prior to the Council vote on the issue in May to demand a safer and more sustainable biosolids plan to protect our health and the environment. Have a great weekend! The TEA team |
City Community Environment Days
These events are a great opportunity to meet your neighbours, and
Warning - Service Cuts on 41 TTC Bus Routes Start Sunday May 8th
Visit TTCriders at ttcriders.ca for more information and a list of affected bus routes. 
Calling all Volunteers! As the weather warms up, things are also heating up at City Council! Volunteers are needed to help with community outreach to help with a Contact Tsering at [email protected] torontoenvironment.org or fill in our volunteer sign up form. Donate to TEA! 
Every donation helps our fight for a green Toronto for all - Donate online now! Get Involved! Join TEA! Membership is free Volunteer with TEA Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook |
Our Executive Director, Franz Hartmann, and Waste Campaigner, Emily Alfred made deputations to the Committee, cautioning against making quick decisions that will affect our waste diversion services without complete information.