Edmonton Landlords Push for Return to Weekly Garbage Collection
Property owners managing multi-family buildings in Edmonton are urging city councillors to reinstate weekly trash pickup services, citing significant operational challenges under the current system. The appeal was made during a recent utility committee meeting, where landlords highlighted issues with space constraints and safety concerns.
Space and Safety Concerns Voiced by Property Managers
Scott Sable of Opaque Developments explained that many buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s have limited space, making the installation of three separate bins per property problematic. "This has created bottlenecks that block parking areas and raise safety issues, such as reduced visibility when exiting parking stalls," Sable stated. He also reported property damage from city collection trucks, which now must drive onto private property, damaging concrete pads.
Despite investments in surveillance cameras to deter illegal dumping, property owners bear the costs of cleanup, trucking, and landfill fees, while fines issued by bylaw officers go to the city. Sable and other landlords are advocating for a return to weekly collection and larger bins to handle waste volume more effectively.
City's Waste Reduction Strategy Shows Mixed Results
While acknowledging these challenges, Sable expressed support for waste reduction efforts. Ward O-Day’min Councillor Anne Stevenson noted that 75% of multi-family properties have adapted to the new system, but the city needs to address issues affecting the remaining 25%. "We just need to dig into where those last 25 that are causing problems," Stevenson said.
Two years into Edmonton's 25-year waste reduction roadmap, data shows an 8.8% decrease in waste per person compared to 2021 levels. A notable success is an 80% reduction in single-use plastic bag usage, with some businesses reporting lower menu prices due to reduced bag purchases.
Take-Out Containers Pose New Challenge
However, the strategy faces hurdles, including a 75% increase in take-out container use, driven by the popularity of services like Skip the Dishes and DoorDash. Although styrofoam containers have dropped by 98% due to bans, paper and plastic alternatives have surged by 97%, filling the void.
To meet its 2030 goal of reducing waste per person by 14% from 2019 levels, city administration plans to encourage businesses to adopt reusable dishes, cups, and utensils through a pilot project running from 2026 to 2028. Stevenson suggested that fees on disposable cups might be necessary to discourage use, citing the success of bag charges in driving behavioral change.
The city aims to cut waste per person by 20% of 2019 levels by 2044, balancing landlord concerns with environmental objectives in this ongoing urban management effort.
