Waste review on hold over greenhouse gas reduction concerns

A City of Winnipeg plan to review waste collection is on hold over concerns about the city's greenhouse gas reduction commitments.

Winnipeg's water and waste department is recommending a citywide waste collection review that won't be finished until 2018. The review would encompass existing city garbage and recycling collection and would also lead to recommendations aboutthe collection of household organic waste, says a report to the council's water and waste committee.

If the review goes ahead, the city will not beginplanning for compost collection to begin until 2018.

Council's water and waste committeevoted on Monday to hold off on the review after chair Brian Mayes (St. Vital)said delayingcurbside organic waste collection a measure expected toreduce methane emissions at the Brady Road landfill may hamper the city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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In 2016, the city proposed an organic waste collection program that would cost the averagehousehold $55 to $100 a year. Consultations were proposed but placed on hold.

Water and waste director Moira Geertold the water and waste committee on Monday thatthere wasno point conducting consultations until the city develops an overall strategy.

The committee nonetheless voted 3-1 to put off a decision on the review, with Coun. Ross Eadie(Mynarski) voting in opposition. In 2016, Eadie was among the councillors most strongly opposed to compost pickup.