July-August 2008

Waste and recycling containers made their return to TTC subway platforms after a five-year absence.

More than 300 containers were re-installed in 28 subway stations in June. All 69 subway and SRT stations will have garbage bins on subway platforms by the end of the year.

TTC maintenance staff report a noticeable difference in stations’ cleanliness, especially after the morning rush hour.

The metal and clear plastic containers are designed to collect both trash and recyclables, such as pop cans, bottles and newspapers. Not only will the platform bins help keep TTC stations cleaner, they will help keep trains moving faster. Paper can blow down to the train tracks, causing a fire hazard, which isn’t only unsafe, but causes serious delays to service.

More than 900 bins in TTC stations will help achieve the transit system’s target of diverting 80 per cent on its waste from landfills by 2010.