But with Ontario’s Waste Free strategy setting the tone for the future, and a city-wide goal to divert more than half of all material away from the dump, London’s got to make some changes to the way it fills garbage cans and recycling bins.

THE PROPOSAL

The ultimate goal is to keep 60 per cent of London’s waste out of the dump, which needs to be expanded. Right now, the city diverts about 45 per cent of its waste away from landfill.

A long-awaited green bin program to collect food scraps, and more recycling options – think methods to reuse wooden furniture, clothing, mattresses, scrap metal, ceramics and carpet – are being mulled.

The cost: $17.6 million during the next four years.

The tax hit: 0.26 per cent each year, on average, between 2020 and 2023. That’s the equivalent of $20.62 a year for the owner of an average London home appraised at $241,000.

THE CASE FOR DIVERTING WASTE

The landfill is almost full. Just starting compost pickup became a political football, an idea batted back and forth among several city councils.

A survey done by Ipsos for city hall in 2018 suggested more than three quarters of London residents are willing to pay for a city-run green bin program.

A Western University study last year suggested the average household throws out $600 worth of food each year, not including scraps such as peels or shells.

The alternative: Residents have been encouraged to start composting at home with backyard equipment, as London remains one of the largest cities in the country without some sort of green bin system to collect food waste.

There’s also some hope that provincial changes, such as new recycling programs for items such as mattresses, may be implemented and take some pressure off municipalities.

Many cities like London are waiting to hear about a new recycling system to be paid for partially by the industries creating the packaging.

The decision: Budget talks begin in earnest on Thursday, followed by another all-day meeting Friday and a pair next week on Feb. 6 and 7.

If needed, full-day sessions also are scheduled for Feb. 13 and 14. The budget is expected to be approved at a council meeting March 2.

 

REFS

Published on lfpress.com

Reducing waste to London landfill comes at a big price – $17.6M