Toronto

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Waste and Recycling

Guidelines on waste disposal, recycling, and composting in Toronto.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Toronto

Toronto uses a three-stream waste management system to separate waste into the following categories:

a. Garbage (Black Bin)

  • Items that cannot be recycled or composted.
  • Examples: Non-recyclable plastics, broken ceramics, diapers, pet waste, and Styrofoam.
  • Important Note: Garbage is collected bi-weekly (every two weeks) for most residential properties.

b. Recycling (Blue Bin)

  • Items that can be recycled.
  • Examples: Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, plastic containers (with recycling symbols), and milk cartons.
  • Contamination Warning: Ensure items are clean and dry before placing them in the blue bin. Contaminated recycling (e.g., greasy pizza boxes) may be rejected.

c. Organic Waste (Green Bin)

  • Food scraps and other compostable materials.
  • Examples: Fruit and vegetable peels, meat, bones, coffee grounds, paper towels, and tissues.
  • Special Note: The green bin program is available for single-family homes and some multi-residential buildings.

d. Yard Waste

  • Seasonal collection of garden waste.
  • Examples: Leaves, branches, grass clippings, and plant trimmings.
  • Yard waste must be placed in kraft paper bags or labeled bins.

e. Hazardous Waste

  • Items that are dangerous to dispose of in regular garbage or recycling.
  • Examples: Batteries, paint, motor oil, electronics, and fluorescent light bulbs.

2. Recycling Management in Toronto

Toronto has a well-established Blue Bin Recycling Program. Here’s how it works:

Accepted Materials

  • Paper Products: Newspapers, magazines, books, cardboard, and paper packaging.
  • Plastic Containers: Bottles, tubs, and jugs with recycling symbols (check the number on the container).
  • Metal: Aluminum cans, steel food cans, and foil.
  • Glass: Bottles and jars.

Non-Accepted Materials

  • Plastic bags, black plastic, Styrofoam, and items contaminated with food or grease.

Sorting and Processing

  • Recyclables are collected weekly and sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where they are sorted, cleaned, and prepared for resale or reuse.

Tips for Recycling

  • Rinse containers to remove food residue.
  • Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
  • Do not bag recyclables; place them loose in the blue bin.

3. Costs for Waste Disposal and Recycling Services

Toronto residents pay for waste management services through a Solid Waste Management Fee, which is included in property taxes or billed separately for multi-residential buildings. The fee depends on the size of the garbage bin you use:

  • Small Bin: $240/year (approx.)
  • Medium Bin: $280/year (approx.)
  • Large Bin: $360/year (approx.)
  • Extra-Large Bin: $450/year (approx.)

Recycling and organic waste collection are included in the fee, so there is no additional cost for these services.

4. Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental harm. Toronto provides several options for safe disposal:

Accepted Hazardous Waste Items

  • Paints, solvents, and varnishes.
  • Batteries (household and car).
  • Electronics (e.g., computers, TVs, phones).
  • Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes.
  • Motor oil, antifreeze, and propane tanks.
  • Cleaning products and pesticides.

How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste

  • Drop-Off Depots: Toronto operates Community Environment Days and Drop-Off Depots where residents can bring hazardous waste for free disposal.
    • Main Drop-Off Locations:
      • Scarborough Transfer Station: 1 Transfer Place, Scarborough.
      • Ingram Transfer Station: 50 Ingram Drive, North York.
      • Disco Transfer Station: 120 Disco Road, Etobicoke.
      • Victoria Park Transfer Station: 3350 Victoria Park Avenue, North York.
  • Retail Take-Back Programs: Some retailers (e.g., Home Depot, Canadian Tire) accept items like batteries, light bulbs, and electronics for recycling.

Tips for Hazardous Waste

  • Do not mix hazardous materials.
  • Keep items in their original containers with labels intact.
  • Transport items securely to avoid spills.

5. Special Waste Disposal Procedures

Toronto has specific procedures for certain types of waste:

a. Electronics

  • Electronics can be dropped off at designated depots or picked up during Community Environment Days.
  • Examples: Computers, printers, TVs, and cell phones.

b. Bulky Items

  • Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances can be placed curbside for collection on garbage day. Some items may require a special pickup request.

c. Construction and Renovation Waste

  • Small amounts of renovation waste (e.g., drywall, wood) can be placed in garbage bins if they fit. Larger amounts must be taken to a transfer station.

d. Textiles

  • Clothing and textiles can be donated to charities or placed in textile recycling bins located throughout the city.

e. Sharps and Medical Waste

  • Needles, syringes, and medical waste should be placed in a sharps container and returned to a pharmacy or a hazardous waste depot.

6. Local Insights and Tips

  • Waste Collection Schedule: Use the City of Toronto’s online Waste Wizard Tool or download the TOwaste App to check your collection schedule and learn how to dispose of specific items.
  • Multi-Residential Buildings: If you live in an apartment or condo, check with your property manager for specific waste disposal rules.
  • Illegal Dumping: Avoid leaving items on the curb outside of collection days, as this can result in fines.
  • Community Environment Days: These events are held annually in various neighborhoods, allowing residents to drop off hazardous waste, electronics, and other items for free.

7. Sustainability Initiatives

Toronto is committed to reducing waste and increasing diversion rates. Some initiatives include:

  • Single-Use Plastics Ban: The city is phasing out certain single-use plastics to reduce waste.
  • Composting Programs: Expanding the green bin program to more multi-residential buildings.
  • Education Campaigns: Promoting awareness about proper waste sorting and recycling.

8. Contact Information

For more information or assistance, you can contact the City of Toronto’s Solid Waste Management Services:

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are disposing of waste responsibly and contributing to Toronto’s sustainability efforts. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!