In addition, the proposal calls for construction of a new city composting facility, which will turn yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings into reusable material. Winnipeggers would be able to place an unlimited number of clear bags of yard waste at their curb for pick up as part of the enhanced recycling program. 

Once implemented, the amount of waste being diverted away from our landfill is expected to jump from 11% to 26%. The resulting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to pulling 37,000 cars off our roads each year. 

In July, 1999, City Council directed the administration to conduct research and bring forward a report on improving the solid waste collection system.

"The proposal that the administration is bringing forward today is comprehensive, fair, and critically important," said Mayor Glen Murray. "It provides us with a clear plan to hold the line on garbage costs, which have been going up year after year. It also means we are serious about leaving our city cleaner and greener for future generations, which is a commitment I know matters to Winnipeggers. "

"The "do-nothing" approach to our garbage problem will cost everyone $4.2 million more over the next five years, because Winnipeggers are throwing out an astounding 600,000 more bags of garbage each year. That is simply not sustainable," said Councillor Angus. "If we keep increasing the tax subsidy for garbage collection it means fewer dollars are available for important public services like policing, libraries and recreation programs." 

Features of the enhanced program: 

• A comprehensive apartment and condominium recycling program will be implemented.
• Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, etc.) will be collected and composted, at no additional charge.  
• The first two garbage bags or cans per collection cycle per dwelling will be collected with costs recovered from property taxes.  
• Every garbage bag or can in excess of two per collection cycle per dwelling will require a tag. Tags will be available for purchase at retailers for $1.50 each. 
• The City will initiate a comprehensive public education campaign and will offer Blue Boxes for sale at a subsidized price of just $5. 
• Garbage collection in AutoBin areas will remain unchanged.  
• Assistance will be provided at no charge to low-income families, where it is determined that those families cannot reasonably reduce garbage to two bags per cycle. 
• Bulky waste will be collected on regularly scheduled collection days for two tags ($3) per item.

The proposal notes that currently, more than 4,000 municipalities across North America have implemented similar enhanced systems, including Headingley, Stonewall and Portage La Prairie here in Manitoba.

The enhanced waste minimization proposal goes before Council on January 31, 2001. If approved by Councillors, the proposal would be implemented November 1, 2001.