The budget committee of Toronto City Council is recommending a freeze in the residential garbage rate next year.  However, because the actual cost of collection is going up the committee says the cost should be spread out to include many who have not had to pay for garbage collection before.

Under the proposal garbage rates would generally stay the same for homeowners, the city credits that to the approval of more private collection. It's also because some properties that used to be exempt from it, would now have to start paying for collection.
The report lists nursing and retirement homes, hospitals, churches and daycares among others.

That's one aspect that Councillor Gord Perks spoke up against at the meeting. He also says it's unfair that there's a whopping increase for tenants and nothing for homeowners. The landlords would be paying the hike, but they'll just pass that on to their tenants. Perks thinks it will be a $3-million dollar hit to renters.

In addition, the city would save about half a million dollars if city collectors would stop taking recycle overflow. At the moment, whatever you can't fit into your blue bin, can go into a clear, plastic bag beside it. That would no longer be permitted and you would have to hold onto your recycling until the next collection.