Residents can expect some delays when a private garbage-collection company takes over trash pick-up in Toronto’s west end next month.
Waste collection company Green For Life won a contract from the city to pick up trash west of Yonge Street, beginning on Tuesday, August 7.
According to Jim Harnum, general manager of solid waste for the city, residents can expect a few delays as the workers adapt to the new job.
“There may be some issues on the first week of pick-up,” he said. “We’re asking residents, if they do realize that the garbage has been missed, or something, that they do call 311 and let us know about that.”
Green For Life won the contract after saying it will save the city $78 million, but detractors aren’t so sure the savings will be worth it.
Coun. Mike Layton voted against contracting out the garbage-collection service and said he remains skeptical that the company can deliver the savings promised.
“This particular organization, their contract wasn’t renewed and picked up in another municipality as a result of questions about whether, with the price, they could actually deliver the level of service they want,” Layton said.
Green For Life has been training 125 staff who will operate 85 of the company’s neon-green trucks when service begins.
The company declined a request for an interview with CTV Toronto, but said it is ready for August 7.
Harnum said all city managers will be working on the first day of garbage pick up and they will also be conducting spot checks and audits to ensure consistent service as the company begins its contract.
With files from CTV Toronto’s Colin D’Mello
