Norman Lee, Director of Waste Management, provided an update on waste management services since the declaration of emergency due to COVID-19 and the rationale for the proposed changes to the services namely: the waived fees at the Region of Peel’s Community Recycling Centres (CRCs); the two-bag allowance for curbside garbage collection; and, the scheduled exemption period in January 2021.
The CRC fees were waived in April 2020 to give residents an outlet for extra waste generated while working from home and to prevent illegal dumping. The waived fees are now driving increased tonnage and usage rates compared to historical levels. Recently, commercial customers and some residents have been returning with small loads to take advantage of the waived CRC fees. To date, the revenue loss of waiving the CRC fees is over $3.6 million and is projected to be $4.2 million by year end. Subject to Council approval, staff recommends that the CRC fees be reinstated effective January 4, 2021.
The two free bags at the curb allowed residents to dispose of extra garbage while working at home. Results show that 98 per cent of the residents seem to have settled into a routine and the number of bags set out each week is in line with the number set out prior to COVID-19. The cost for this service since April 2020 is approximately $360,000 for the year. Subject to Council approval, staff recommends that the bag tag requirements be reinstated effective February 8, 2021.
Exemption periods were suspended during COVID-19. Review of this service indicates that residents’ participation at setting out bulky items on regular garbage days have improved and they no longer wait for an exemption period. Staff intends to suspend the exemption period scheduled for January 2021 to ensure the collection system is not overloaded.
Norman Lee stated that the decisions to waive the services were made by Regional Council and an update will be provided at its November 26, 2020 meeting. The timelines for the proposed recommendations will allow the Region to implement a public communication strategy.
Councillor Ras expressed support for the recommendations outlined in the presentation of the Director of Waste Management, listed as Item 5.2 and stated that the proposed timelines are reasonable and would provide sufficient time for Councillors to communicate the changes to their constituents. Councillor Ras noted that the messaging on proper placement of bulky items during regular garbage day collection is a good message to be reinforced.
In response to a question of clarification from Councillor Ras regarding options to purchase garbage bag tags to minimize contacts during COVID-19, Norman Lee stated that garbage tags are currently sold only online.