Item - 2020.IE14.14

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1.  Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to enhance and expand the media campaign to remind residents to properly dispose of their garbage in the receptacles provided;

2.  Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to reinitiate supports for Community Cleanup Days with guidance from Toronto Public Health and in accordance with provincial restrictions on gatherings; and

3.  Requested the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to report back at the September 22, 2020 Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on the impact that COVID-19 has had on waste collection and litter.

As the City of Toronto has entered into Stage 2 of reopening and the weather has improved, residents have been gathering in neighbourhood parks in great numbers. An unfortunate consequence is that there has been increased litter in our greenspaces and parks.

Repeatedly, over the last few months, community members have contacted my office regarding excessive litter at Port Union Waterfront Park and Rouge Beach. Across Toronto, many waterfront parks are also facing this challenge.

Parks, Forestry and Recreation, along with the Solid Waste Management Division, have put up more bins and have increased collection; however, there is a need to raise further awareness in the public of why littering is unacceptable.

Residents have also come together to organize community cleanups but have not been able to get support from the City, in the way of garbage bags, gloves and arranged garbage pickup, because Community Cleanup Days have been suspended due to COVID-19.

The excess litter limits residents' enjoyment of parks and can, at times, impact their ability to maintain appropriate physical distancing. Particularly now, when gatherings are limited to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone needs access to clean green spaces for their mental and physical health.