The plan to privatize commercial and industrial waste in Winkler is being delayed to January 2019.

Council is sticking by their decision to hold off, noting the commercial waste sector currently subsidizes residential taxes. Without that residents with homes assessed lower than average could experience a tax increase as garbage pick-up is charged through the mil rate.

However, looking ahead to 2019 Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says the change would encourage industry to recycle more waste.

Currently businesses receive, and pay for, one large bin pick-up per week regardless of their exact waste needs.

"We look at what's the most convenient thing, and what's the most effective thing as far as industrial waste is concerned... separating the industrial out and not including their one pick-up per week within their tax bill."

Instead, the garbage pick-up fee would be clearly stated on the tax bill, and businesses would be encouraged pursue their own contract with a garbage pick-up service,

"It's not something we're initiating right now, but something we're looking at, trying to encourage businesses so that industrial waste does not go to the landfill but to recycling."