Get ready to pay more to get your garbage picked up.
Regional Councillor and Chair of the Budget Committee Gary Zalepa says the new waste contracts may be going up close to 10% for the next three years.
That means $15-18 more a year for waste pick up for the average household in Niagara.
Zalepa says he understands it's a big increase, but you get what you pay for.
GFL Environmental and Miller Waste Systems will be replacing Emterra as Niagra's waste collector starting in the fall of next year.
Both companies have committed to by certified 'Living Wage Employers' paying their employees at least $18.12 an hour.
Niagara's garbage will be picked up bi-weekly when the companies take over, while recycling and green bins will still be collected weekly.
He says he understands some taxpayers will be upset that the price is going up as we move to bi-weekly collection, but we will be getting more reliable service and hopefully increasing diversion to save landfill space.