New raccoon-resistant green bins coming soon to Toronto

After a protracted and sometimes comical debate, council awards $31 million green bin contract to California company.

Thestar.com
May 7, 2015
By Betsy Powell

Torontonians should begin depositing their organic waste in larger raccoon-resistant green bins sometime next year after city council awarded a $31-million contract to a California company.

The approval, by a vote of 35-5, followed a protracted, and sometimes comical, debate Thursday in city hall’s council chamber where several councillors raised concerns about the bulk of the proposed containers.

The new bins will hold 100 litres of material - more than twice the size of the current bin - and take up more space on already crowded streets, particularly in downtown neighbourhoods, Councillors Joe Cressy and Paula Fletcher noted.

Mayor John Tory introduced the new bins during a high-profile launch last month where he declared war on raccoons. The unveiling included a product-testing video and the endorsement of an animal behaviorist. Still, several councillors said they remained unconvinced the new design will perform as billed.

Playing for the TV cameras, Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti got down on his hands and knees to “act like a raccoon” and demonstrate how Toronto’s crafty critters won’t be thwarted by the turn-dial on top.

“We’re spending $31 million for a product that doesn’t work,” Mammoliti said repeatedly, backed up by Councillors Jim Karygiannis and Rob Ford.

“It’s embarrassing what’s unfolded here,” Councillor Norm Kelly said afterward. Councillor Janet Davis urged council not to “get sidetracked by these antics.”

Some councillors questioned why staff had chosen California-based Rehrig Pacific Co., instead of a Toronto or Canadian company.

“They didn’t win,” replied a city staff member, adding the tendering process was not subject to a local procurement policy.

Council directed the general manager of solid waste to work with residents and councillors to determine if some people might be able to continue to use the current, smaller containers.

The city has approximately 500,000 bins that need replacing. They were first rolled out more than a decade ago.

Davis told the meeting there can still be adjustments to the protocol design before production begins.

“We will be able to purchase what we need. And we will be able to modify as we need.”

The new bins can be hoisted by trucks using automated lifters, which is certain to reduce the number of injuries suffered annually by workers doing the heavy lifting themselves, council heard.