Should the City transition from bins (manual collection) to carts (automated collection)?
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)
| BENEFITS | TRADE-OFFS |
Efficiency: Automated collection systems streamline the waste collection process, reducing collection times and optimizing routes. |
Initial investment: Implementing automated collection requires a sizeable initial investment in specialized equipment, such as standardized carts for all households. |
Reduced injuries: The use of mechanical arms and carts significantly reduce the physical strain on collection crews, minimizing the risk of injuries. |
Visual impact: The use of large carts can impact the visual aesthetic of neighbourhoods, which may not be favored by all residents. For example, the introduction of larger-size carts might be visually more prominent compared to smaller bins or bags. |
Infrastructure constraints: Certain infrastructure challenges, such as narrow streets or limited storage space for carts for some residences, can hinder the implementation of automated systems. |
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Reduced waste diversion: Large carts encourage contamination, leading to reduced diversion rates and a potential for more waste to be sent to landfill. |
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?
