Federal Garbage Express

A recent article in a Toronto newspaper proposed the idea that the federal government take over waste management for the entire country. The idea is that massive collection centers situated outside urban areas would accept waste using rail links. Recyclable material would be separated and converted to manufacturing input, organic waste would be composted, and whatever cannot be diverted would then be processed by varying technology such as incineration. The same rail lines used to transport the waste originally would be utilized for transporting the processed material to and fro. The incinerators would be used to generate electricity for the system itself. The rail companies would then be able to justify the development of more rail lines to various rural areas.

The benefits to using rail over trucks wherever possible is obvious. Development of new rail lines to put this system in place could double as transportation links to move people around the province more efficiently.

Some of the benefits cited by the writer were:
1. Municipal governments would no longer have to come up with their own solution for waste management
2. The existence of a universal system would produce efficiencies not possible with the current system.
3. Job creation (especially in northern communities)
4. Environmental benefits
5. Bigger Rail System

Why do I like this idea? Aside from the benefits aforementioned, it is a refreshing look at an age old problem. It demands consideration (are you listening Mayor Miller?). However, I think the provincial governments would be better equipped to take on this idea.

The government should actually run this system. I think private enterprise is far better equipped to make it happen, but the government should devise the system then invite enterprise to deliver the actual service. Let the free market run it (if there is such a thing left in Canada).

A profit seeking, competitive business environment is much more efficient and more innovative at finding better and cheaper ways of doing things. After all, profits would be a key motivator. And as a taxpayer, I would have no problem paying municipal taxes to pay for a provincial waste management plan that is environmentally friendly, efficient, as costing as little as possible.

Now that's "Out of the Garbage Box" Thinking!