The reduction in bag tag sales in Owen Sound has created a major revenue decrease with an estimated loss of sales of approximately $100,000 to the end of June 2020.

In addition to this loss of revenue, cost of disposal of the waste in the form of higher tipping fees from the contractor due to the increased number of garbage bags left for collection is expected, based on information received from Miller Waste. The additional potential downside to this situation is a reduction in recycling and its associated revenue loss. Although this revenue loss is not significant due to the decline in recycled material markets, the impact to the environment is a concern.

All 10 private garbage bag tag retailers plus the City’s Transit Terminal are open for business as they are considered essential services and continue to sell bag tags. They are now providing residents with different purchase options to reduce social contact including home delivery, telephone ordering transactions in addition to online grocery orders, curb (store) side pick-up and/or purchasing bag tags in-storewhere physical distancing and other health and measures have nowbeen implemented.

Staff suggest that the purchase of garbage bag tags is reasonably accessible and now safer for residents throughout the City.

Owen Sound City Council passed the following motion, with  Councillor Merton opposed. "Revert to pre-COVID-19 limits of up to four bags per residence per collection period with all garbage bags to have a bag tag affixed. This would take effect on the first day following the Victoria Day holidayMonday (i.e. Tuesday May 19,2020) to provide for adequate public notice. This option provides the City with the most revenuea and gives residents the most incentive to reduce their waste."

source: staff report to Owen Sound City Council, May 11, 2020