Garbage fees in effect this summer (2008)
The less garbage produced, the less paid. This fee-based waste program will be applied to apartments, condominiums, townhouses and co-operatives with communal collection including front end, rear bin, cart/flower pot and pile customers.
Dear Owner
In June 2007, Council approved the Getting to 70% Waste Diversion Plan, which includes a series of new waste diversion initiatives to achieve this goal, as well as a new funding system.
Beginning July 1, 2008, as the owner of a multi-unit building (buildings with more than eight units and some types of townhouses), you will be required to pay a fee for garbage collection based on how much garbage is set out at each building.
In the past, the average fee of $157 per unit for managing garbage collected at your building was included in property taxes. This will change July 1, 2008, when the City starts charging you a waste management fee. The $157 per unit, per building will be given back to you as a rebate and used toward paying your garbage fee. Your fee pays for garbage, recycling, litter prevention, landfill management and other diversion programs. After July 1, 2008, you will receive a new utility bill, which will include your waste management fee and your water charge as separate items.
Condominium properties, whose bills will typically be sent to the condominium corporation, will also see a rebate of $157 per unit on the new utility bill.
As an owner, you play an important role in developing and carrying out a waste management plan at your building. To assist you in learning more about the new fee, the City is holding a series of information sessions in May and June for owners, property managers and superintendents. Please refer to the enclosed flyer for dates and times.
You can estimate the fee for your building using the online Calculator Tool at www.toronto.ca/garbage/multi. The site also offers presentation materials and recycling literature to help you increase recycling at your building. There is no cost or limit on the amount of recycling/bulky items that can be set out for collection.
For more information about the new fee, visit www.toronto.ca/garbage/multi, e-mail multires@toronto.ca, or call 416-392-2467.
Yours truly,
Norman Lee
Manager, Operational Planning
Solid Waste Management Services