Aftermath of Toronto snowstorm a nuisance for waste collectors

Toronto waste collector, Henry Mullet, works his way along Ferrier Avenue following Tuesday's snowstorm.

Toronto waste collector, Henry Mullet, works his way along Ferrier Avenue in East York, following Tuesday’s snowstorm.

Henry Mullet was doing his job, but he says city residents were not doing theirs.

“It’s been a good winter so far,” Mullet said, “until last night.”

Toronto is dealing with the aftermath of the biggest snowfall this year. According to Environment Canada, the storm dumped 9.4 centimetres overnight Tuesday. But Mullet, who is a waste management collector with 27 years’ experience as a city worker, had more obstacles than usual on his collection route Wednesday.

“When you turn up the street here. … No shovelling at all,” Mullet said.

The Toronto Municipal Code states that homeowners must clear their street sidewalks of snow within 12 hours and not shovel it into city streets. If a bylaw officer spots the offence, the homeowner can receive a fine of up to $360.

“It slows us down,” Mullet said.

Mullet added that snow accumulation is the worst weather condition to work in. Waste disposal trucks not only have to navigate past snowbanks and garbage bins, but also parked vehicles.

While Mullet made his way down Ferrier Avenue, residents were still shovelling snow onto the street.

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By: and
Posted: Mar 2 2016 4:30 pm
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