Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
We Want It!
Paints, pesticides, propane tanks, batteries, syringes, used motor oil and many cleaning products are just some examples of household hazardous wastes, that are used daily by residents. These items contain toxic ingredients and should be used and disposed of with caution. Do not place out for regular garbage pick-up. Please do not pour motor oil, paints or solvents down your drain or into sewers.
Household Hazardous Waste WILL NOT be collected with your garbage or recyclables.
- Household Hazardous Waste includes
- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off depots
- Toxic Taxi
- Cooking oil is now accepted at Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days
- Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
- Helium and propane tanks/cylinders
- Medication - expired
- Syringes and needles
- Non-hazardous alternatives
- Ontario's Orange Drop Program
Household Hazardous Waste includes
Corrosive such as car battery acid and drain cleaners that will eat away at material and injure skin.
Flammable such as lighter fluid, turpentine and gasoline that can ignite.
Explosive such as aerosol containers that may explode if incinerated or stored above 50 degrees Celsius.
Poisonous such as cleaning fluids, pesticides and medicines that can be poisonous or lethal, even in small quantities, to adults, children and pets.
Toxic Taxi
Toxic Taxi provides free pick-up of 10 to 50 litres/kilograms of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) materials from Toronto's residential customers (curbside and apartment/condos on City service). Business/commercial/industrial/institutional customers are not eligible for this service. See details.
If the volume of HHW is less than 10 litres/kilograms, residents must take items to one of the City's Drop-off Depots that accept HHW or to a Community Environment Day. Exceptions may be given to residents unable to deliver HHW items to either of these locations.
To book an appointment:
Online Self-service Request
Call: 311
Household Hazardous Waste depots
There are HHW depots in various locations across Toronto, so first check if there's one conveniently located to you for drop-off. There are also Reuse Centres at your local HHW Depots where residents can donate useable but unwanted HHW materials, including oil and latex paint. Staff sort donations and set reusable materials aside for other residents to pick up - for free.
Non-hazardous alternatives
In addition to the varied non-hazardous cleaning products available in today's marketplace, you may wish to try making your own using environmentally-safe ingredients.
Residential cooking oil now accepted at Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days
Cooking oil - from residential homes, apartments and condos - is now accepted as household hazardous waste at Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days. (Please note the drop-off hours for household hazardous waste are different from the general operating hours.)
Cooking oil should delivered in a sealed container labelled "Used cooking oil."
Cooking oil should never be poured down the sink, drain or toilet because it can negatively impact sewer pipes systems in your home and neighbourhood, causing sewer backups. Small amounts can go in the Green Bin if soaked up with a paper towel or frozen/hardened.
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) require proper disposal
Energy-saving fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), also known as compact fluorescent light bulbs, use less electricity and last longer than conventional light bulbs, but they also contain small amounts of mercury, a poisonous heavy metal, which is used to produce their light. Here's how to safely dispose of fluorescent tubes and CFLs.
Helium and propane tanks/cylinders
Even when empty are a dangerous hazardous waste, regardless of supplier claims. These must never be put in either your Blue Bin or Garbage Bin and must be taken to a Drop-off Depot or Community Environment Days for proper disposal.
Expired medications
Do not flush medication down the toilet or put them in the garbage. Take them to a Household Hazardous Waste depot.
Syringes and needles cannot be collected with your regular garbage
Please do not place them in a garbage bag or out with your recycling. They are a serious hazard to the collector. Put all used syringes and needles in a tightly sealed and labelled container and take them to a Household Hazardous Waste depot.
Ontario's Orange Drop Program
Orange Drop is an industry-funded recycling program aimed at keeping hazardous and special waste materials out of Ontario's landfills and waterways. The Orange Drop Program allows Ontarians to return designated materials to local Municipal HHW Depots, retail sites and collection events across Ontario. Visit the Orange Drop website.