“Let’s not be punitive today when we know with a comprehensive approach we will have compliance tomorrow and less cost to the city.”Terry Whitehead

As you may be aware, there has been a citywide initiative to reduce the amount of waste ending up in our landfills. The target for 2008 is 65% diversion from landfill sites. We hope for approximately two thirds of all refuse to instead be recycled or disposed of through ecologically friendly solutions. Currently we are gauged at only 40%, meaning more than half of what we throw away is contributing to the growing environmental problems we suffer from. A quick survey indicated that the average of households in Hamilton produce 1.2 bags of irreclaimable waste every week.

On Monday, November 12th, a restriction was put in place to regulate households to one curb side trash bag of 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds), with no changes to regular recycling or green bin rules.  However, the rules permit for three instances each year per household that three bags of garbage will be picked up.  This kind of flexibility is important for unique situations.

Our city is being understandably aggressive for the 65% diversion target, considering the important role we all play in keeping our environment healthy. The city started off at a six bag limit, followed by a three bag limit, and it is currently Councillor Terry Whitehead’s position that we first schedule a two bag limit and continue with the one bag plan in the future. The city must continue to improve on educating all residents to create awareness as well as a desire to do better. Larger families which the Councillor has spoken with have suggested that they find it difficult to get to the one bag target. Additionally, considering that 30% of residents live in multi residential dwellings with virtually no programs for reduction, Councillor Whitehead believes that more effort must be placed in these areas to get to the 65% diversion target.

I am also concerned that if we move too quickly, we will have more garbage dumped on the sides of roads, bags dumped at curbs of houses that did not create it, and other such unacceptable behaviour will occur. That’s not to say that these concerns would be completely dismissed once we eventually mandate one bag limits, however with more volunteer compliance and as more residents recognize they can successfully comply, it will not be as much of a problem as it potentially is now.

Of course, Terry Whitehead is open-minded on this issue and wishes to solicit any opinions the community may have. The Councillor will listen to the debate closely before making a final decision. Please vote on the accompanying poll at the left-hand side of your screen, and leave your comments here. We hope to hear from you regarding this matter soon!

UPDATE: Hamilton residents are encouraged to visit http://www.hamilton.ca/waste and click on the link to “Proposed ‘One Container’ Limit on Garbage” for more information on this issue.

Residents without Internet access can call 905 546-CITY (2489) and a Customer Service representative will be pleased to help.