After an hours-long debate, Toronto council has approved the city's next generation of green bins that were unveiled last month when Mayor John Tory declared a war on racoons.
The debate kicked off at approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday, and ended shortly after 3 p.m. when councillors voted 35-5 to approve the $31-million contract to U.S.-based company Rehrig Pacific.
The Los Angeles firm designed the bins to be critter proof, and tested the containers with the help of an animal behavioural specialist. The organic-waste bins come with locking lids and latches that can be opened by automated collection vehicles, but not mischievous animals and their prying paws.
The bins' raccoon-resistant features, however, were not the focus on Thursday. Many of the councillors expressed concern about the green bins' 100-litre size, approximately twice the size of the current ones.
Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti wanted to refer the debate back to committee but the motion failed.
City staff said they will work with residents who may have difficulty using the larger bins. It's believed approximately 2,700 people in the city will have trouble with the new containers.
The new green bins are expected to hit the curbs of Toronto's streets late 2015 or early 2016. They will replace the current bins that were rolled out between 2002 and 2006. Officials have previously said it will take approximately 18 months for the new bins to be delivered city-wide.
Last month, Tory unveiled the new green bins with much fanfare, and a video that shows a racoon attempting to open the container. In the video, the backyard bandit can be seen standing on its hind legs while attempting to crack open the lid.
"We are ready, we are armed and we are motivated to show that we cannot be defeated by these critters," Tory said last month about the bins. "I think people are with us on this one in wanting to make sure … we defeat raccoon nation."
