June 30, 2016
Mayor John Tory today launched the Mayor’s Towering Challenge, a competition among apartment and condo buildings in Toronto to send less waste to landfill.
Almost half of Toronto residents live in apartment or condo buildings but they recycle and compost much less than single-family homes – diverting 27 per cent of their waste compared to 65 per cent for houses. Waste accounts for 11 per cent of Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions and is the third largest contributor after transportation and buildings.
The City of Toronto is committed to improving waste reduction and diversion efforts by moving toward the goal of achieving 70 per cent waste diversion, which will preserve the capacity of our Green Lane Landfill.
"There are simple things buildings can do to save money and change behaviors by encouraging residents to recycle and compost more," said Mayor Tory. "It is time for the City of Toronto to once again be recognized as a leader in environmental issues. We need to get the whole city engaged in this work."
All multi-residential buildings in Toronto can register to participate in the Towering Challenge. Over a six-month period starting in September, these buildings will try to increase diversion and reduce their garbage. The buildings that demonstrate the biggest changes in their volume of garbage, Blue Bin recycling and Green Bin organics will be officially recognized at an event next spring. Buildings pay for their garbage pickup but not waste diversion. By participating in this program, buildings will save money and have a positive impact on the environment.
"I encourage apartments and condos in Toronto to take up this challenge," said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "Each building can tailor its programs to make them most effective for the building's residents. Whether it's recruiting volunteer 3Rs Ambassadors or organizing a used-item exchange, if every building can do a little bit more, there will be a significant impact on overall waste reduction."
Solid Waste Management Services staff will provide resources and support to participating buildings. Apartment and condominiums that receive City collection services are eligible for the collection of Blue Bin recycling, Green Bin organics, garbage, yard waste, oversize items (such as furniture), metal items, electronic goods and household hazardous waste.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contacts:
Siobhan Ramsay, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5001, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Keerthana Kamalavasan, Office of the Mayor, 647-460-7507, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
