TORONTO, Ont. — A proposed Bill could make it illegal for Toronto to haul its trash to Michigan, and has renewed calls for a more efficient recycling program.

The proposed Bill, introduced by Republican Mike Rogers, gives Michigan the power to ban the shipping of all trash into the state.

Because the Bill has the support of head of the House energy and commerce sub-committee, Paul Gilmour, it is expected to pass easily.

This may be good news, according to Toronto officials who are opposed to shipping garbage to the U.S.

“I don’t blame the congressman; nobody wants garbage put in their back yard,” said Toronto
Councillor Jack Layton. “The more pressure the state puts on us, the faster we will find ways to handle our waste problems ourselves, so it doesn’t have to go in anyone’s back yard.”

Councillor Betty Disero agrees with Layton, and says that a more efficient recycling program could reduce Toronto’s waste by 60 per cent within five years. She headed a task force on recycling, the results of which will be released on Wednesday.