Item - 2023.IE1.13

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that: 

1. City Council request that General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services in consultation with Business Growth Services in the Economic Development and Culture Division to report back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by the third quarter of 2023 on a feasibility study to deploy Solar Powered Smart Compacting Garbage and Recycling Bins in the field for one or more Business Improvement Areas on a pilot basis to study their effectiveness and possible future deployment throughout the city.

The City of Toronto's public garbage bins have been a longstanding source of frustration for businesses and residents as they are poorly maintained and often overflowing with excess garbage that is not collected in a timely way. Specifically, business owners and Business Improvement Areas who invest their livelihoods in creating welcoming pedestrian environments to attract customers often endure unacceptable wait times for service and maintenance.

This has been well documented and many Members of Council have regularly spoken up about the need for a better solution.

A growing number of cities are testing smart waste management solutions to increase efficiencies, lower operational costs, and keep their cities cleaner. Bins equipped with solar panels are able to use sensors to compact the waste that is deposited, significantly increasing capacity and reducing frequency of waste collection only when the bin is full. Fewer collection visits could also reduce traffic congestion and interruption, lower carbon emissions and increase cleanliness.