Advertisement

Hamilton politicians take on fast-food litter epidemic

All drive-thru restaurants in Hamilton will soon be required by city bylaw to provide waste containers, accessible to their drive-thru customers.
All drive-thru restaurants in Hamilton will soon be required by city bylaw to provide waste containers, accessible to their drive-thru customers. Don Mitchell / Global News

A new city bylaw will require restaurants with drive-thru windows to provide waste containers for their customers.

Hamilton’s public works committee voted in favour of the requirement on Monday, several months after Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla first proposed the idea.

Merulla says the “catalyst” was the elimination of most waste disposal units by one popular fast-food restaurant chain.

He adds that the decision was made at the expense of neighbourhoods in the city noting that “people were becoming frustrated.” Merulla predicts that the bylaw will go a long way to mitigating a litter epidemic in Hamilton.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Director of licencing, Ken Leendertsee, says the requirement, once given final approval by Hamilton city council next week, will be addressed through site plans for new drive-thrus.

Story continues below advertisement

Leendertsee adds that existing businesses with drive-thru windows will have to provide garbage containers, accessible from a customer’s vehicle, as a condition of keeping their licence.

He says the city will inspect and ensure operators are following the bylaw, after which there will be “progressive” enforcement.

WATCH: ‘Litterless Lunches’: the sustainable trend showing up in classrooms

Click to play video: '‘Litterless Lunches’: the sustainable trend showing up in classrooms'
‘Litterless Lunches’: the sustainable trend showing up in classrooms

Sponsored content

AdChoices