Item - 2016.GM13.35

The Government Management Committee:

1.  Directed the Chief Corporate Officer, in consultation with the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, to:

a.  Review the waste diversion services at city-operated facilities and recreation centres and identify a plan to increase access to, and signage for, Blue Bin and Green Bin waste diversion services in all city-operated facilities; and

b.  Report back to the appropriate Committee with recommendations that can be included in the Long Term Waste Management Strategy.

It has come to my attention that a number of City facilities, including AOCCs, shelters, recreation centres and libraries, do not have adequate waste diversion services. This includes facilities that have:

Lack of or not enough recycling bins - especially in seasonal facilities (skating rinks, outdoor pools, playgrounds)

No green bins for collecting organic waste and no or unclear signage to indicate sorting rules

Some City facilities are examples of good waste diversion, for example, all four civic centres have Green and Blue bins in most common areas, with clear signs. City Hall and Metro Hall even post the building's waste diversion rate.

Solid Waste Management Services is committed to continuing to improve waste diversion efforts and moving closer to the goal of achieving 70% waste diversion to preserve the long term capacity of our Green Lane Landfill. Council will soon be considering a Long Term Waste Strategy with the goals of reducing waste and extending the life of Green Lane Landfill. This is the ideal time to also look at how we can enhance diversion and reduce waste within City run facilities and operations.