Wildlife expert: 'Without a doubt' green bin damage caused by squirrel

Toronto city council is preparing for a backlash to its new, supposedly raccoon-proof green bin.

The problem isn’t the locks, according to many users on Twitter and Coun. Shelley Carroll: it’s the plastic.

Carroll spoke about the issue on Newstalk1010 on Thursday morning and also tweeted about it, saying that rats and squirrels can chew through the thinner plastic.

Specialists say the teeth marks indicate rats and squirrels. We need super plastics more than we need super locks. https://t.co/ZncttAUs0U

— Shelley Carroll (@shelleycarroll) May 5, 2016

Carroll’s concern was shared by a resident, who posted a photo of her chewed-up bin on Twitter. Jim McKay, general manager of Toronto’s Solid Waste Management Services, they have not been able to confirm whether an animal or human act caused the damage.

However, a wildlife expert says this is definitely the work of a squirrel or a rat.

“In my 32 years of business I’ve seen an abundance of animal chewing… and I will say without a doubt that this damage was caused by a squirrel,” said Brad Gates of Gates Wildlife Control Toronto. “In fact I would be willing to stack my 32-year reputation on it.”

@311Toronto Here is my NEW green bin that hasn't been used yet. Squirrel emerged from hole this morning! pic.twitter.com/wyyqVCZo5r

— Chachacha (@chachacha2014JN) May 4, 2016

CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan was in Scarborough on Thursday looking for more chewed-up bins.

Driving through Scarborough and so far no sign of any chewing on new green bins. @CityNews pic.twitter.com/UWu2m8LWqj

— Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) May 5, 2016

The manufacturer, Rehrig Pacific, said that some animals have been known to chew through sheet metal, so building a completely impenetrable bin is impossible.

McKay said there are a number of “home remedies” that can be applied to prevent animals, such as squirrels, from chewing containers. For example, spraying a little hot sauce on the lid will help to prevent chewing without harming the animal as animals don’t typically like the taste.”

Replacing all of Toronto’s green bins is expected to take 18 months and cost $31 million. The bins were first distributed in Scarborough in April.

Toronto joins Peel in changing their bins.

Back in April, a Mississauga resident told CityNews that he had evidence that the new bins aren’t impenetrable.

Eddie O’Toole said he’s had the new bin for three months, and in that time, raccoons have already gnawed through it. At the time, a representative for the company that designed Toronto’s bins said the Toronto ones would be thicker.

At the time, Rehrig Pacific spokesperson Dennis Monesiter also said that squirrels and rats are more likely to chew through the bins than raccoons.

Mayor John Tory tweeted about chewed-up bins on Wednesday night.

.@ryandoyleshow @chachacha2014JN @poojahandatv Well, at least they didn't figure out how to turn the handle. #opposablethumbs

— John Tory (@JohnTory) May 5, 2016