Toss more? Pay more under new garbage plan

Toronto’s ambitious new garbage plan, which includes a pay-as-you-throw garbage levy, takes effect this year. Under the new system, households that generate more garbage will pay more (up to $190 a year) and those that toss less will be rewarded with a small rebate.

The proposed garbage fees, which will be included in a new combined water/solid-waste bill, will be debated next week by the budget committee. If approved, households that choose the extra-large bin (the equivalent of 4.5 garbage bags) would pay $190 annually, and those that use the smallest bin (the equivalent of one bag) would get a $10 rebate.

The new user-fee system is expected to generate $54 million a year for the city, says Geoff Rathbone, general manager of solid waste - money that will be used to divert more garbage from the dump. The city aims to divert 70% of its waste from landfills by 2011.

The city is making a few concessions for extra loads in its new plan. Single-family homes will get four free garbage bag stickers that will allow them to put out extra trash as needed (if they have a lot of guests or are cleaning house, for example). Extra bag tags can also be purchased for $3.10 each.

SIZE, VOLUME and ANNUAL FEE:
Small: fits 1 bag, $10 rebate on water bill
Medium: fits 1.5 bags, $39
Large: fits 3 bags, $133
Extra large: fits 4.5 bags, $190

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