City of Winnipeg looking at changing how garbage collection is funded

Winnipeg garbage collection

Changes could be coming to how the City of Winnipeg funds its garbage collection services.

A new report from the city’s public service recommends the implementation of higher fees for the nearly $29 million cost of solid waste collection, disposal, recycling and waste collection services. Until recently, garbage collection was paid for through property taxes.

According to the report, the new funding system would additionally pay for a green cart collection program.

It also suggests eliminating current fees for garbage cart parts or replacements for lost and damage carts. Instead, these costs would be covered by the waste management fee.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said he sees this change as ‘significant.’

“It will be discussed and debated certainly at the committee and then ultimately at EPC,” he said.

“This is what’s being proposed. I certainly want to hear from other colleagues. I certainly want to take a deeper look at this, as well, because it is a significant increase.”

Currently, Winnipeggers pay just over $23 every three months for a waste diversion fee. However, if council adopts this new proposal, residents will pay $63 quarterly or $254 a year.

City council still must approve this recommendation, which will be discussed at a water and waste committee meeting on Monday.

The full report can be found online.