Residents and property managers shared many ideas on multi-unit waste management and diversion. Below is a short summary of what the City heard. Additional details can be found in Attachment 1. Attachment 3, Excerpts from the 2017 Waste Awareness & Behaviour Survey, provides additional context.

Organics

On average, 82% of residents that participated in the engagement indicated that they support an organics program. This is in line with the 81% support by multi-unit residents in the 2017 Waste Awareness & Behaviour Survey. Support from property managers was lower, with 53% supporting the program and 19% opposing. Residents and Property Managers were aligned on their top concerns and strategies for program uptake:

Top Concerns:

• Cleanliness (addressing pests and odours);
• Space limitations (for both in-unit collection and the communal bins); and
• Program cost.

Top Strategies for Program Uptake:

• Frequent collection and cleaning of bins/collection area;
• Provide kitchen catchers for all units; and
• Focus on education, including information packages for all residents.

Other frequent suggestions included allowing compostable/plastic bags, program flexibility for different building types, and a pilot program before full roll out.

In terms of the service approach for a new organics program, participants were unsure about whether a city-run program (i.e. city fleets and crews or contracted services) or a bylaw mandated program (such as a requirement for source separation with flexibility to choose a private hauler) would be more desirable.

Participants identified two main advantages of a city-run approach: less work for properties (especially condo boards) and greater city-wide consistency in program delivery and education. However, some were concerned that their property would be ineligible for collections but they would still be required to pay (based on their experience with garbage collections). The bylaw-mandated approach was seen as having advantages in cost, flexibility, reliability and customer service. Property management companies tended to be more interested in this approach than condo boards, though there was variability.

Garbage

Most participants were satisfied with the current frequency and capacity of garbage collections. Most were opposed to moving to a utility model for garbage collection and a large number were uncertain and unsure of the implications, which is consistent with the 2017 survey conducted by Insightrix Research.

Recycling

In terms of recycling, both residents and managers agreed that education and improving collection areas was a priority. 

We learned a lot from engagement regarding the opportunities and barriers around changes to multi-unit waste collection. Our focus is now on addressing concerns raised with current programs and designing a new multi-unit organics program. We look forward to sharing our recommendations with you in spring 2019.

Online Surveys 

Two online surveys were open from June 3 - 22, 2018. One was for residents of multi-unit buildings and the other for property managers that oversee the waste collections for their multi-unit building(s). 

Pop-Up Events 

Residents were invited to participate in a short activity to provide feedback and ideas. Pop-ups are come-and-go style events located at places where residents spend their time. 

Property Manager Workshops 

Two workshops were held on June 20 (6:30-8:30pm) and June 21 (2-4pm) for property managers that oversee the waste collections for their multi-unit building. 

Workshops provided property managers - including condo boards and building owners - a chance to share preferences and ideas for the design and delivery of a multi-unit organics collection program. 

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