Rob Ford says Mayor John Tory 'lying' about garbage privatization

Toronto councillors have put off debating whether to contract out garbage collection east of Yonge Street until 2016, a move that has the city's former mayor hot under the collar.

Coun. Jaye Robinson, an ally of Mayor John Tory, proposed that the public works committee delay a debate on the hot-button issue until the fourth quarter of 2016 as contract talks with the union that represents collectors are set to begin in the coming weeks. 

CUPE Local 416's contract ends Dec. 31

• Council to consider privatized garbage pickup in the east end
• Toronto has saved $11.9M through private garbage pickup

"We have no idea the outcome of these negotiations, how that will impact labour on this file," Robinson told reporters. "Without that information, we really can't make an effective decision at this time."

Garbage west of Yonge Street has for years been collected by the private company Green for Life. The move, which has frequently been claimed as a victory for the city under former Mayor Rob Ford, is estimated to save $11 million annually. 

Mayor Tory vowed during the election campaign to privatize collection east of Yong in order to save money. 

But a city staff report last week recommended against the move, suggesting it will cost more to privatize collection in one east-end district. 

Coun. Rob Ford came out swinging against the mayor. 

"Every debate he said he was going to privatize garbage. It's a strong word, but he's lying to the public," Ford said.