REGINA, SK - The City of Regina’s new curbside recycling program would be less costly if delivered by city employees, says the union representing city outside workers.
“Studies show that public delivery of recycling programs is more cost-effective than private delivery,” says Tim Anderson, president of CUPE Local 21. One study published in the journal Canadian Public Administration revealed that public recycling programs cost on average $46 per tonne less than when done by the private sector.
The union’s brief, which will be presented to city council on Monday, October 17, points to several examples of municipalities saving money by getting rid of private contractors and bringing the work back in-house. The need for profit margins and the high cost to monitor and enforce contracts are two factors that drive up the cost of private projects, the union explains.
Public control of the service also provides more flexibility so the city can adjust the program as public needs or priorities change, the union adds. When starting a new service, it’s important for the city to have the ability to adjust the program instead of being locked into a contract.
The union is also raising concerns about the impact of trade agreements such as the North West Partnership Trade Agreement which will apply to municipalities in the province on July 1, 2012.
“This council should not tie the hands of future city councils,” Anderson says. “Once we contract out this work to the private sector, trade deals will make it almost impossible to bring the work back in-house.”
For more information contact:
Tim Anderson
President, CUPE Local 21
306-527-5181
