Agreement reached to end strike with Peel Region garbage collector

Striking Emterra workers — Dozens of workers at Emterra's facility in Mississauga have walked off the job on Dec. 6, 2021. Mark Douglas/CITYNEWS

By Michael Talbot and Neetu Seupersadsingh

Posted December 9, 2021 11:21 am.

Last Updated December 9, 2021 12:40 pm.

A garbage strike in Peel Region that affected thousands of residents has come to an end, Peel Public Works confirms with CityNews.

More than 220,000 residents in Peel Region dealt with delays in garbage and organic waste pick up after garbage collectors with contractor Emterra Environmental walked off the job on Monday.

Service to handle recycling items and yard waste was also suspended for people living in Caledon, northwest Brampton and west of the Credit River in Mississauga.

Temporary workers were called in, leading to tense moments on the picket line at the Emterra garbage facility on Britannia Road Monday, where striking workers blocked vehicles as they tried to leave the building.

In a release Thursday, Peel Public Works says regular waste collection services for strike-affected residents will resume on Monday, December 13, 2021.

#BREAKING Waste collection strike affecting a large portion of Peel Region has ended. Strike began Monday morning. @CityNewsTO https://t.co/J66OHtQtPH

— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) December 9, 2021

“We are pleased to hear that Emterra and its union has reached an agreement and that they are able to provide normal waste collection to residents starting Monday,” Norman Lee, Director of Waste Management for Peel said in a release.

“For residents in the strike-affected areas, we thank you for your patience this week and ask that you continue to follow the instructions provided, as Emterra works to finish collecting the remaining garbage and organics in these areas. We encourage residents to visit our website or social channels for additional information.”

Instructions for residents in strike-affected areas: (Source: Peel Public Works)

• If you were scheduled for garbage pickup this week (December 6 – 9), continue to leave garbage and organics at the curb (even on the weekend).

• If you were scheduled for recycling pickup for this week (December 6 – 9), continue to hold onto your recycling until your next scheduled recycling pickup day.

• Yard waste that was not picked up due to the strike, will be picked up next week (December 13 – 16) in strike-affected areas.

• Bulky items will be picked up on your next garbage day.

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With files from Mark Douglas of CityNews

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