Two bag standard for garbage starts Oct. 1

Starting Oct. 1, the Region of Peel is moving from a three bag to a two bag standard for garbage collection.

"The Region's goal is to divert 70% of waste from disposal by 2016," said Councillor Elaine Moore, chair of the environment, transportation and planning services committee. "We can reach our waste diversion goal by taking some simple steps to properly sort our waste, which will also help preserve our natural resources and protect the environment."

Under the two bag standard, Peel households that receive curbside waste collection services may place a combined total of two garbage bags, garbage containers or small bundles of wood at the curb each week for collection.

Each additional garbage bag, garbage container or small bundle of wood must have a Region of Peel garbage tag attached to it to be eligible for collection. Garbage tags are available at a cost of $5 per sheet of five tags. For a list of where to purchase garbage tags, visit www.peelregion.ca/waste, call 905-791-9499 or refer to pages 13 and 14 of the 2007 Waste Management Guide.

Garbage bags, garbage containers or small bundles of wood over the two bag standard, without tags, will not be collected.

"In April 2007, the Region introduced the Organics Recycling Program that can divert more than 30 per cent of household waste from disposal," said Andrew Pollock, director, waste management. "Moving from a three bag to a two bag standard is intended to encourage residents to maximize use of their green bin and recycling boxes."

Peel households that receive curbside waste collection services will be a mailed a letter in September that explains the two bag standard. Additionally, mobile road signs, advertising in the local newspapers and posters in Community Recycling Centres and community centres will inform residents of the change. Information is also available at www.peelregion.ca/waste.

The two bag standard does not apply to recyclable material (blue box, green bin and yard waste), large appliances, furniture and other large items. Residents may place unlimited quantities of blue box and green bin material at the curb for collection.

The Region of Peel provides waste management services in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga and in the Town of Caledon. For more information, call the Region of Peel at 905- 791-9499 or in longdistance areas of Caledon call 905-584-2216, free of charge. Visit the Region of Peel Web site at www.peelregion.ca/waste.