Toronto Garbage & Recycling

The City of Toronto provides curbside waste collection for most houses, including garbage, recycling, organics (green bin), and seasonal yard waste services. Everything is managed through the City’s Solid Waste Management Services division.

Your Standard Curbside Service (Most Houses)

If you own a single-family home, semi-detached home, townhouse, or small residential property, you receive curbside cart collection.

What you get

When you move in, the property should already have:

♻️ 1 recycling bin (blue bin)
🟢 1 green bin (organics/food waste)
🗑️ 1 garbage bin

Bins belong to the property, not the homeowner, and remain when ownership changes.

If bins are missing or damaged, contact 311 to request replacements.

Collection Schedule

Garbage, recycling, and organics are typically collected weekly on your assigned day.

Put bins out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.

Holiday weeks may shift pickup by one day.

Placement rules

• Place bins at curbside (not blocking sidewalks)

• Leave space between bins and parked vehicles

• Lids must fully close

Recycling Program

Toronto uses single-stream recycling, meaning accepted recyclables go together in one bin.

Accepted items

• Paper and cardboard

• Plastic containers and packaging

• Glass bottles and jars

• Aluminum and steel cans

Quick tips

• Rinse containers

• Flatten cardboard boxes

• Do NOT bag recyclables

The City offers a “Waste Wizard” online search tool to confirm sorting rules.

Garbage Collection

Toronto uses a volume-based garbage system.

Garbage rules:

• Bag garbage before placing in bin

• Lid must fully close

• No loose items beside bin

Garbage bins come in different sizes, and smaller bins cost less annually.

Yard Waste Collection (Seasonal)

Houses receive seasonal yard waste pickup.

Typically spring through late fall (April–November).

Collected weekly or biweekly depending on the season.

Accepted yard waste

• Leaves and grass clippings

• Garden plants

• Small branches

• Pumpkins (decorations removed)

Use:

• Paper yard waste bags

• Reusable containers

No plastic bags allowed.

Large Items & Special Waste

Option A — Large Item Pickup

Set out bulky items such as:

• Furniture

• Mattresses

• Large household items

Collection occurs on regular garbage day (rules apply).

Option B — Drop-Off Depots

City transfer stations accept:

• Electronics

• Household hazardous waste

• Scrap metal

• Renovation debris (fees may apply)

Compost & Food Waste

Toronto has a citywide Green Bin program.

Accepted items include:

• Food scraps

• Meat and bones

• Coffee grounds

• Food-soiled paper

• Pet waste and diapers

This program significantly reduces landfill waste.

How You Pay for It

Waste collection appears on your City of Toronto utility bill.

You pay an annual solid waste fee based on garbage bin size — not per pickup.