Here's the situation

Currently, waste collection in Vaughan is carried out by manual collection. Residents use designated containers such as blue boxes and green bins to sort recyclables and organics, while garbage is placed in bags or bins for collection. Collection crews manually load these materials onto collection vehicles. The City is now exploring what would be involved in the shift to automated collection. 

With automated collection, households in Vaughan would receive large carts equipped with wheels and flip-top lids. Automated collection trucks are fitted with mechanical arms that lift and empty the contents of these carts into the trucks.

Benefits and trade-offs of carts (automated collection)

The transition to automated collection could cost between $16 million and $24 million

The transition to automated collection is a significant undertaking with associated costs that need to be carefully considered. The estimated cost to transition all eligible residential properties to wheeled carts with flip-top lids for automated waste collection is projected to be between $16 million and $24 million, a financial responsibility that would ultimately fall to Vaughan taxpayers. To manage this substantial cost in a way that is equitable and manageable for the community, there are different methods of covering the expense.

One approach is a one-time tax levy, which would involve spreading the total cost across all taxpayers in a single fiscal year. While this might have a more immediate impact on residents' finances, it would ensure the entire cost to transition to carts is covered swiftly. Alternatively, there is also the option of implementing a smaller levy applied over a few years. This approach would distribute the financial burden across multiple years, potentially reducing the immediate financial strain on residents while still ensuring the necessary funds are collected to cover the transition costs.

Producers and manufacturers of recycling waste to take a lead role in its management and collection

In June 2021, the Province of Ontario introduced the Blue Box Regulation (O. Reg. 391/21: BLUE BOX), which transfers the financial and operational obligation of recycling to producers and manufacturers of packaging, paper and similar products. The City is currently working with the provincial government and the regulatory authority in an effort to safeguard the interests of Vaughan residents, manage this transition and determine the role Vaughan will play in the future of recycling.

What do you think?

• Should the City transition to automated waste collection in Vaughan, including introducing of large carts equipped with wheels and flip-top lids?
• If it was not possible to transition all waste streams to automatic collection and only some, would your preference for automated waste collection change? How?
• The implementation of automated waste collection in Vaughan would involve significant costs, which may have an impact on taxes to introduce and maintain the program. Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to support the transition to automated collection?
  • To fund the transition to automated waste collection, one option to consider is a one-time tax levy of up to $300. This would involve distributing the total cost among all taxpayers within a single fiscal year. What do you think of this approach? 
  • Another option is implementing a smaller levy applied over a few years. This approach would distribute the financial costs across multiple years, potentially reducing the immediate financial strain on residents while still ensuring the necessary funds are collected to cover the transition costs. What do you think of this approach?
  • Between these two potential funding options, which one would you prefer?

What is a clear bag program?

A clear bag program for garbage collection is a waste management approach where residents are required to use transparent or translucent bags to dispose of their garbage. Many municipalities in Ontario are moving to clear bag programs for garbage collection (e.g. City of Markham). The goal of this program is to increase diversion by making it easier for waste collectors to identify recyclable and compostable materials that are being put out as garbage (and potentially refuse collection). It also aims to raise public awareness about responsible residential waste disposal.

Benefits and trade-offs of a clear bag program

What do you think? Should the City adopt a clear bag program?

About the City's Medical Waste Exemption program

The City's Medical Waste Exemption program is specifically tailored to provide support for individuals who require the disposal of additional waste that cannot be recycled due to various medical conditions. This includes situations where residents may need to discard items such as medical packaging, used dressings or other related items that arise from medical treatments or conditions. Medical conditions like home dialysis, wound care or specific medical treatments can generate waste that falls outside the scope of regular household waste.

The program, which is subsidized through tax dollars, aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these residents, ensuring they have a proper and convenient means to dispose of such waste in a way that is both respectful and environmentally responsible. To access the program, residents must complete an application form and obtain a signature from a medical professional before it is submitted to and reviewed by the City. If approved, garbage tags for 20 additional bags/bins are provided per year at no cost.

Benefits and trade-offs of expanding the program

What do you think?

• Are you an individual who uses the City’s Medical Waste Exemption program? Or do you know someone or have someone living with you that relies on this program? Do you foresee yourself or someone you know relying on this program in the future?
• How would you feel about the City increasing the number of garbage tags provided under the Medical Waste Exemption program?
• What would be a reasonable increase in the number of garbage tags provided under the Medical Waste Exemption program? 

About textile donation bins

Unwanted textiles (clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, other fabric items, etc.) can be reused and recycled by taking them to various textile donation bins throughout Vaughan. Currently, these bins are located on private property only.

What do you think?

• Have you ever deposited your unwanted textiles into one of these textile donation bins in Vaughan? How easy or difficult was it to locate the textile donation bin nearest to you? 
• Do you think the City should expand textile donation bins to City facilities? For example, at community centres?
• If expanded to City facilities, would you make use of textile donation bins more or less? 

Here's the situation

Several private townhouse condo locations within Vaughan have infrastructure and/or roads that do not align with the standard requirements set by the City. As a result, these areas are currently excluded from receiving municipal residential waste collection services. Instead, residents in these locations often engage private contracting services to manage their waste disposal needs (typically paid for through their condominium fees).

To extend residential waste collection services to these specific locations, the City would need to invest in specialized collection equipment that can navigate the unique challenges at these locations. This equipment might include vehicles with enhanced maneuverability or adaptability to handle the road layouts that deviate from typical residential subdivisions.

However, it's important to note that introducing such specialized equipment and services to facilitate collection from these unique areas may result in higher contract costs which may have an impact on taxes.

What do you think?

• Should the City expand municipal residential waste collection to these townhouse condo locations in Vaughan?