What you or your contracted service provider need to know about yard waste collection
Failure to comply with the
bylaw could result in a fine.
You can almost tell the season by what's set out curbside for City collection. Multiple kraft paper yard waste bags are a sure sign of spring and fall. Both times of the year, as we plant, prune and rake, out come the full yard waste containers for pick-up.
The City asks you to pay close attention to your local collection calendar, which clearly states when your household receives its bi-weekly yard waste collection service. Yes, there are rules about when such containers/bags may be put out at the curb and when they must be taken away.
The City of Toronto has received numerous complaints about yard waste left at the curb for days prior to collection. Property owners receiving daytime collection can put out yard waste no earlier than 8:00 p.m. the night before collection.
Residents employing companies to maintain their properties are responsible for making sure contractors follow the rules.
Remember:
- Put yard waste out on either the evening before or early on your collection day as per the schedule in your local Collection Calendar.
- Store yard waste on your own property (close to your home) between collections, not on City property.
- Grass clippings or sod are not accepted in yard waste or garbage
- The City encourages you to leave your grass clippings on the lawn.
- Acceptable yard waste containers: rigid, open-topped containers (a reusable container, without a lid - e.g. an extra garbage can, bushel basket) or kraft paper bag. No cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
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Please instruct your contracted service provider to follow all of these instructions.
For more information:
If you witness illegal dumping of wastematerials
- call the City of Toronto's Waste Enforcement Hotline at 416-392-0873 or
- e-mail mlswaste@toronto.ca to file a complaint