Londoners could see a reduction in the number of garbage containers they're allowed to put at the curb.
A staff report going to the civic works committee next week recommends lowering the limit from four garbage containers to three or two. Figures in the report show 91% of households are already putting three containers or less out on garbage day.
Councillor Josh Morgan, who sits on the committee, questions if the change is necessary given that most residents have already reduced their household waste levels.
"We have to be cautious about the hard and fast rules," says Morgan. "I'm hesitant to move into the regulatory framework on this without some consultation. Most Londoners are already complying with the direction that we want to go so we need to look carefully on what we want to engage them on and what are the effects of the change."
City staff anticipate the change would create a minor increase in waste diversion and a minor reduction to service costs. However, it would come at the expense of households unable to reduce their garbage and increase the potential for illegal dumpings.
The report proposes having a public participation meeting on the issue June 8.
"This is one that impacts almost every single person who owns or rents a home in London. It's one of these ones where you want to listen very carefully to what the constituents say about the need and desire for such a change," says Morgan. "It's wise to revisit this on a regular basis. I also think it's incredibly wise to listen to Londoners on decisions like this."
London began phasing in the four container limit in January 2006 after it was determined the previous 16 can limit did nothing to entice homeowners to recycle. Since then the average household has cut the amount of garbage heading to the curb by 20%.
