Let's Talk Garbage, Literally

We all make it. Some make less than others, but we all make non-recyclable, non-compostable garbage, and it has to go somewhere (because I don't want it my backyard, and I'm sure you don't either).

Toronto currently transports about 750,000 tonnes of waste annually (that's about 80-85 trucks every day) to Michigan landfill, but this arrangement is short-term and has been volatile.

Tackling this rather important issue is a huge task, which is why City Council established the Toronto Community Environmental Assessment Team (CEAT). CEAT's primary mandate is to help the city find a solution for the long-term management of our residual solid wastes.

Which landfill sites are suitable? Should we be incinerating instead? How can we reduce the quantities of solid waste? How can legislation improve the situation? These are all questions that need to be answered.

CEAT has already begun an important phase in their work, and they need your input. This fall, a number of public consultation events that are being held around the city. Your opinions need to be heard and your and concerns need to be addressed.

To help you and I to better understand the role of CEAT and the public in the process, the city has prepared this list of FAQs.

Let's talk garbage so we're not swimming in it when 2010 rolls around!