Solid Waste in Toronto

Research Paper # 100405

Canadian Studies
Environmental Studies > Environmental Problems
Environmental Studies > Management
Environmental Studies > Recycling
Environmental Studies > Urban Issues

This paper discusses the problem of solid waste in Canada's largest city.

1,218 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer looks at the issue of solid waste in Toronto and discusses what can be done to address a matter that has grown in importance in recent years. Specifically, the paper looks at the background of the situation, discusses possible policy responses and evaluates those alternatives. The writer offers a recommendation for one or more preferred options, complete with a brief overview of how they should be implemented. The writer concludes that Toronto would richly reward itself by placing the onus for solid waste management upon private citizens and businesses - a step which might be politically unpopular in the short-term, but which will benefit the city in the long-run.

From the Paper:

"For some time, many Toronto residents have been outraged at what they view as the city's shameful inability to keep waste disposal and sanitation at a level commensurate with the city's pre-eminent status among Canadian municipalities. For one thing, many believe that solid waste should be recycled into steam for heating and for other energy-related purposes; as well, in light of the fact that Toronto's garbage pick-up has been the object of ridicule in many precincts for some time, there appears to be a sentiment that supervised sites whereat taxpayers can drop off tires, appliances, construction waste and other refuse should have been put into place years ago. Further, resentment seems to linger over the fact that Toronto has made remarkably little effort (at least in recent years) to establish guidelines at transfer stations that would mandate the separation of aluminum and other ferrous metals from organic products being shipped elsewhere; needless to say, this too is seen as a wasteful process that curbs what might be the productive recycling of still-useful items."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bentley, Alan. (2004, November 25). "City lacks a plan for garbage." Toronto Star, A12.
Gillespie, Kerry. (2004, December 1). "City eyes tough moves on garbage". Toronto Star, B02.
Royson, James. (2006, February 11). "City deficit might soon eclipse Ontario's: Red ink reality eludes mayor." Toronto Star, B01.
Sheppard, Robert. (2006, March 17). "Rethinking Incineration: How Long Can Toronto Keep Exporting Its Trash?" Reality Check. Retrieved 17 Nov. 2006 from <http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/realitycheck/sheppard/20060317.html>
Schonning, Magnus. (2006, May 10). "Where incineration is not a dirty word." Toronto Star, A21.