Simcoe County decides on new size of garbage carts, approves 2021 budget

Simcoe County residents are going to be able to pack more garbage into the new style of garbage cart being

At the Nov. 24 meeting, council members agreed to a — which is a 50 per cent increase over the current size. The organics/compost size is 120 litres and the recycling cart is 360 litres

The plastic wheeled carts will all have black bases with varying-coloured lids to indicate the contents.

Once the new cart program starts next fall, residents can recycle their old bins, or keep them for storage.

Garbage collection will .

County council also approved its 2021 budget Nov. 24, spending $572 million.

That means no tax increases next year.

“We have been responsible over the last number of years with our finances and our budgeting,” Warden George Cornell said.

Reserves have been used to buffer the budget, but that won’t be sustainable past 2021, he said.

“County council recognizes the impact COVID-19 has had on our residents and businesses and as a result, directed staff to come back with a zero per cent tax increase.”

2021 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

• Long-term-care homes and seniors services $78 million

• Paramedic services $56 million

• Children services $49 million

• Social housing $69 million

• Ontario Works $79 million

• Transportation and engineering $48 million

• Solid waste management $94 million