Instead of a New Tax Allow Competitive Bidding to Reduce Costs

Toronto: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is challenging Toronto Mayor Miller to provide homeowners with the same choice in waste disposal that he gives his city departments. CTF Ontario Director Kevin Gaudet said, "if the Mayor and the city can choose who takes out their garbage then so too should Toronto homeowners."

On 05 April 2007 the municipal division responsible for Shelter, Support, and Housing Administration issued a Request for Quotation for 'the supply of all labour, equipment, materials and transportation necessary for the removal and disposal of garbage, junk, litter, and debris'. Gaudet asked, "why is it that the city gets to choose who takes out its garbage but homeowners don't At a time when the Mayor is trying to impose a new tax on garbage I think he first should be focusing on reducing costs in waste management by allowing for competition in garbage removal."

The City of Toronto is undergoing a public consultation on waste removal. The proposals do not include any discussion of collection competition or choice at the home. Many other Canadian municipalities have opened up to competition the delivery of this service and derived great cost savings. Clinton, Ontario has seen solid waste collection costs reduced by 60%. The City of Winnipeg has contracted out collection and is projecting savings between 25% and 50%. Gaudet concluded, "instead of giving Toronto a new garbage tax Mayor Miller and city council should allow competition in garbage pickup."

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For more information please contact:
Kevin Gaudet at 416-203-0030 office or mobile 416-725-0501