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Background

What do we mean by multi-unit residential buildings?

Multi-unit residential buildings are defined as residences with nine or more units that are serviced by containerized collection or pile service for the removal of garbage and recyclables. Generally multi-unit residential buildings include apartments, condominiums, co-operatives and some types of townhouses

What is changing and why?

As of July 1, 2008, property owners of multi-unit residential buildings pay a fee based on how much garbage the building generates during the billing period and the number of units in the building (see Billing Information, for how to calculate the fee). The new Solid Waste Management Fee will appear with water fees on a new, combined Toronto Water/Solid Waste Utility Bill. It will help to pay for existing solid waste programs and services, as well as new initiatives designed to enable the City to achieve its 70% diversion goal. There is no fee for recycling; buildings that reduce garbage and increase recycling will therefore pay less. Buildings with containerized garbage collection do not need to do anything to prepare for the change. Buildings that set out their waste in bags need to use bag tags as of July 1, 2008; available for $3.10 per tag at Canadian Tire stores and City locations.

Why charge a volume-based rate for solid waste services/programs?

Funding is needed to pay for the planned new diversion activities required to reach 70% diversion. This comprehensive plan will divert an additional 250,000 tonnes of waste from landfill annually, extending the life of our landfill until 2034. The rate charged will vary according to the volume of garbage put out for collection. Linking costs to volume of garbage means buildings that reduce garbage will pay less.

How much money is needed to fund getting to 70% diversion?

The City needs to cover off the existing cost of solid waste programs and services, which is approximately $183.5 million a year, plus pay for the expansion of diversion initiatives, which is estimated to be an additional $54 million annually. Of the $54 million, $30 million is to come from the residential sector (i.e. homes with up to eight dwelling units) and $24 million is to come from multi-residential sector (i.e. buildings with nine or more dwelling units).

What will the money received from the new Solid Waste Management Fees pay for?

There are a wide variety of expanded diversion initiatives proposed, many of which are interdependent and would need to be implemented simultaneously. Some examples of what the payments will eventually help fund include:

• Expanding the Green Bin Program to apartments and condominiums (scheduled for phased in roll out beginning in November 2008).
• Establishing a series of Reuse Centres and curbside collection of durable goods (pilot started July 2008).
• Providing Blue Bins for recycling to increase capacity (program rolled out).
• Adding new materials to the recycling program (scheduled for November 2008).
• Providing door-to-door Green Bin and recycling collection to townhouses, where possible (scheduled November 2008).
• Making recycling more convenient in multi-unit buildings (e.g. in-unit recycling containers scheduled for phased in roll out beginning in September 2008).
• Education, outreach and enforcement of mandatory diversion bylaws (ongoing).

Will anyone be exempt from this plan?

No, this plan applies to all multi-unit residential buildings receiving City collection. There is a separate parallel program for residents of single-family homes.

What about residents living in single-family houses?

An equivalent program is being put in place for single-family residential dwellings, effective November 1, 2008.

How are mixed-use buildings (e.g. multi-residential above commercial) being charged the Solid Waste Management Fee?

Multi-residential waste is collected under this program. Commercial waste from eligible customers is collected under the City's Yellow Bag Program at a fee of $3.10 per bag and must be stored and set out separately.

Why charge the fee in multi-unit residential buildings before the Green Bin program is implemented?

The 2008 fees for multi-unit residential buildings take into account that they do not yet have access to the Green Bin program. The Green Bin program will be rolled out to multi-unit residential buildings beginning November 2008. The fee structure for multi-unit residential buildings will be revised to reflect the expected waste diversion when the Green Bin program is rolled out. Multi-unit residential buildings will generate less garbage once organics are diverted into the Green Bin program and will therefore see an immediate reduction in fees. The fees will be reviewed annually to reflect the implementation of new programs.

Will the City launch the Green Bin program to multi-unit residential buildings?

The City intends to launch the Green Bin program to apartments, condominiums and co-ops beginning November 2008, subject to confirmation of organics material processing capacity.

Can my building receive yard waste collection?

Yard waste collection is not offered to multi-unit dwellings. Yard waste can be taken to a Drop-off Depot. Fees will apply.

Is this program happening in any other cities?

Yes, similar programs are successfully in place in such cities as Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose and Seattle. City staff studied all of these programs.

Won't a program like this increase illegal dumping of garbage?

The City recognizes and understands residents' concerns about a potential increase in illegal dumping when the volume-based rate structure for garbage is implemented. Other municipalities that have implemented similar systems have found there was an initial blip in illegal dumping but no sustained increase. Other municipalities rectified the initial illegal dumping problems through communications, monitoring of illegal dumping "hot spots," and bylaw enforcement. The City's plans include hiring additional bylaw enforcement officers to monitor illegal dumping and enforce the City's bylaws. If you experience illegal dumping on your property, please call Municipal Licensing & Standards Investigations Information Line at 416-392-0873, or email mlswaste@toronto.ca.

Where can I get more information about the new volume-based rate structure?

City staff reports and presentations explaining background information, such as why this new program is necessary, what new waste reduction programs are needed, and how we will pay for all of the new services and programs required to meet the goal of 70% waste diversion from landfill by 2010.

Where can I find more information about the bylaw that governs this program?

The City of Toronto’s Residential Waste Collection Bylaw 844 and recent Amendments are the governing documents for this program.

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Information for owners

Do I need to do anything differently before July 1, 2008?

Containerized Collection: Buildings with containerized garbage collection do not need to do anything to prepare for the change. The City will simply begin tracking the number and size of waste bins it collects at your building and will bill you accordingly.

Pile Collection: Buildings that set out their garbage in bags need to use Garbage Tags since July 1, 2008; available for $3.10 per tag at Canadian Tire stores and at select City-owned sites (visit www.toronto.ca/garbage/multi/tag_pickup for a complete listing). Garbage bags must be plastic, measuring approximately 66 cm x 90 cm and weighing less than 20 kgs; as per the City’s bylaw. If my building or complex sets out waste in bags, where can I buy Garbage Tags? Garbage Tags are available in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at Canadian Tire stores across Toronto. In addition, Garbage Tags are available for purchase at City Garbage Tag Pick-up Locations. If purchasing multiple Garbage Tags, please call ahead to confirm availability.

If my building or complex sets out waste in bags, where can I buy Garbage Tags?

Garbage Tags are available in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at a Canadian Tire stores across Toronto. In addition, Garbage Tags are available for purchase at City Garbage Tag Pick-up Locations. If purchasing multiple Garbage Tags, please call ahead to confirm availability.

How many Garbage Tags should I buy?

Pile customers are encouraged to purchase Garbage Tags on an as needed basis, perhaps a month's supply at a time, as the City will be contacting sites to coordinate inspections and conversions to containerized collection.

I purchased Garbage Tags which state they are "only for commercial garbage that does not fit in Yellow Bags" and are "not valid on regular garbage bags." Can I still use these tags?

Yes, all Garbage Tags purchased at City-approved locations can be used by pile customers and commercial customers. A new tag design is now in development and will be sold to you in the near future.

I’m having trouble getting enough Garbage Tags. What should I do?

Please call ahead to confirm availability. If you experience constant shortages, please email 311@toronto.ca with the store location, date and time of visit.

Do multi-unit buildings have to pay for new waste and recycling containers?

Building owners are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their waste and recycling containers that are set out for collection.

Customers with containerized collection can obtain a list of suppliers for metal bulk lift/front end bins by calling the Ontario Waste Management Association at 905-791-9500.

Customers that out their waste or recycling in carts must contact the City of Toronto at 416.392.2467 to purchase authorized carts. Carts are $96.05 each (taxes included).

What about bulky items?

You may continue to set out bulky items (e.g. furniture, mattresses, box springs, etc.) in the designated area for separate collection at no cost.

What about large metal item (e.g. fridges, stoves)?

Building management can call 311 to schedule a metal item pick up. There is a limit of three items per scheduled pick up. Metal pick up request cannot be a result of renovations (e.g. new fridge for every unit.).

If damage is done to a container during collection, who pays for a new container?

Please report the incident to 311 and an investigation will be initiated. You will need to supply the truck number, name of operator/description of operator, time of day and details of the incident.

Can multi-unit residential buildings opt out of the program?

• Our program is an all-or-nothing service. If a building wants to opt out of City garbage collection, it will not receive the other collection services (e.g. recycling, Green Bin, white goods, bulky waste, etc.).
• The rebate of $157 per unit is only given to building owners receiving City collection. If a building opts out, it does not receive the rebate.
• Building owners may choose not to receive City collection (and get private collection instead) by advising the General Manager of Solid Waste Management, in writing of the opt-out effective date.

  General Manager
  Solid Waste Management Services
  c/o Catharine Daniels, Acting Director
  Scarborough Civic Centre
  150 Borough Drive, 5th Floor
  Toronto, Ontario M1P 4N7

• A letter outlining the consequences of cancelling City solid waste collection (PDF) at your residential building(s) was mailed to owners on November 13, 2008.
• If you would like to re-apply for City solid waste collection services sometime in the future, please complete the Application/Agreement for Garbage and Recycling and fax it to (416) 392-0396. Your application will be reviewed against the City's requirements for developments and redevelopments.

What if there is more garbage than can fit in the bin?

The City will collect materials in approved bins and your fee will be subject to the volume-based fee structure. Garbage should not be heaped up over the top of the bin or it will not be collected. Bulky furniture items and recyclables are exempt from the fee structure and should not be placed in the Garbage Bins. Occasional excess waste could be saved until the next collection cycle. If there are regular occurrences of excess waste, the building should investigate getting additional bins. Construction and renovation wastes are prohibited and should not be set out for City collection.

How will the collectors know which bins I want them to collect on any given collection day?

Collectors will collect all bins that are set out on the collection pad on collection day, whether or not they are full. Place only those bins you want collected in the designated collection area since all bins will be picked up.

How is the City keeping track of what containers are being collected, billed, etc.?

Initially, the collector will record the number and size of bins collected at each location.

What if my building purchases additional recycling or garbage bins?

Please email 311@toronto.ca with details of any changes.

Is there any limit to the number of recycling bins we can put out for collection?

There's no limit on the number of recycling bins that can be set out for collection. Buildings are encouraged to take full advantage of this free service by providing a sufficient number of recycling bins and encouraging residents to recycle.

Can we compact our recycling material?

No, compaction of recycling materials presents a problem at the materials recovery facility where recyclables are sorted and processed.

Will recycling collection frequency increase?

For the time being, recycling collection frequency remains the same. However, the City will continue to assess the frequency of collection.

Can our building switch from carts to bulk containers for recycling and, if so, do we get a refund on our carts?

The City determines the mode of collection at all buildings it collects from. If you want to change container type, call 416-392-2467 or email 311@toronto.ca and a Solid Waste Representative will visit your site. If a change is allowed, there will be no reimbursement on any existing containers.

What if the recycling bin gets contaminated?

Building property management is responsible for maintaining bins. If a bin becomes contaminated, it will not be picked up until the contaminants have been removed. Please inform your property manager if you discover contamination within the recycling bin(s).

Where can landlords get help/ideas to improve recycling?

The City offers promotional material to educate residents about recycling. Materials explaining what and how to recycle include: Toronto Recycles posters, Toronto Recycles information cards for residents, and recycling container stickers. Toronto Recycles information cards are available in 23 languages and can be requested when placing your literature order or accessed on-line. A Recycling Handbook for Owners, Property Managers and Superintendents can also assist in making your diversion program a success. Call 311 to order promotional material.

What can we do about illegal dumping?

If possible, store the containers inside the building and put them out no later than 7:00 am for day collection or 11:00 pm for night collection on your scheduled collection day. Put containers inside as soon as they are emptied and store them on private property close to the building in a well-lit area. Post signs stating container use is for residents only. Chain and lock containers stored outside between collections. Call Municipal Licensing & Standards Investigation Information line at 416-392-0873 or email mlswaste@toronto.ca to report illegal dumping.

Can my building install a garburator in tenant units to help manage organic waste?

Garburator, also called garbage grinders, are prohibited in areas of the City served by combined sewers under the Sewer Use Bylaw (Municipal Code, Chapter 681-10,Section E). To find out if your building is on a combined sewer, call 416-338-8888.

In addition, the City has studied the use of garburator and found them to be an expensive way to treat organic waste, both for owners and the City. More solids in the pipes lead to clogging and an increase in service calls, and more solids in the sewage system mean more blockages. The Green Bin Program, which is expected to be launched in apartments and condominiums as soon as adequate processing capacity is identified, will provide a much more effective way for managing organic waste.

Can I use a private hauler to pick up a portion of our waste?

• Our program is an all-or-nothing service. If a building wants to opt out of City garbage collection, it will not receive the other collection services (e.g. recycling, Green Bin, white goods, bulky waste, etc.).
• The rebate of $157 per unit is only given to building owners receiving City collection. If a building opts out, it does not receive the rebate.
• Building owners may choose not to receive City collection (and get private collection instead) by advising the General Manager of Solid Waste Management, in writing of the opt-out effective date.

  General Manager
  Solid Waste Management Services
  c/o Catharine Daniels, Acting Director
  Scarborough Civic Centre
  150 Borough Drive, 5th Floor
  Toronto, Ontario M1P 4N7

How can I keep costs down at my building?

Owners, property managers, superintendents and residents can work together to increase recycling, meet City bylaws and reduce fees. Here's how:

• Strengthen your recycling program.
• Only set out full bins of garbage.
• Tune compactors to achieve a 2:1 compaction ratio.
• Provide adequate space for residents' recycling and bulky waste, which is collected at no cost.
• Remove recycling and bulky waste mistakenly placed in waste bins.
• Educate and encourage residents to reduce, re-use and recycle.
• Participate in the Green Bin Program.
• Order in-unit / in-suite recycling containers.

How can multi-unit residential building owners improve recycling?

Two strategies in particular contribute to an effective recycling program that reduces costs:

• Keep recycling and garbage collection areas and containers clean, convenient and well-organized; and,
• Continually educate residents on what is expected of them.

The City offers promotional material to educate residents about recycling. Materials explaining what and how to recycle include: Toronto Recycles posters, Toronto Recycles information cards for residents, and recycling container stickers. Toronto Recycles information cards are available in 23 languages and can be requested when placing your literature order or accessed on-line. A Recycling Handbook for Owners, Property Managers and Superintendents can also assist in making your diversion program a success. Call 311 to order promotional material.

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Information for Owners with Pile Collection

What is a pile collection customer

A pile collection customer is a customer that sets out waste in bags. As of the first collection day in July 2008, pile collection customers are required to affix a Garbage Tag to each bag of garbage set out for collection.

What factors were used to determine the Solid Waste Management fee for Multi-residential customers?

The Solid Waste Management fee was established using the Solid Waste Management Operating Budget, the total number of households in the City of Toronto and Council directed adjustments to determine the final approved billing system.

The fees fairly take into consideration the following key differences between residential and multi-residential customers including current tax structure, the average number of inhabitants, and the cost of collecting and managing waste.

How does the online calculator calculate the fee?

As of July1, 2010, the new linear structured cost model is based on a standard upfront service fee for the collection of a base volume (which is equivalent to the current small waste equivalent volume) at a cost of $175.00 per unit per year. Excess volume above the base volume would be charged a standard cubic yard fee of $12.81 for uncompacted and $25.63 compacted waste. All waste diversion services: recycling, green bin, yard waste composting, etc. would be unlimited and provided at no additional charge. A rebate of $175.00 per unit per year would be allocated only to City of Toronto customers participating in the City’s Solid Waste Collection Program.

I am a pile customer and will be switching from using bag tags to using bins for collection. Why is the amount estimated in the online calculator different from what I have been paying for tags even though I am setting out the same amount of waste?

Council directed staff to implement the multi-residential fee program beginning July 1, 2008. The implementation of the bag tag system was introduced as an interim measure to collect the Solid Waste Management fee from non-containerized multi-residential customers.

I am a pile customer currently setting out my waste in garbage bags affixed with bag tags. When I purchase my bins for garbage, how will I be charged?

As a pile customer you are currently paying the Solid Waste Management fee through the purchase of bag tags. When you convert to using bins for garbage you will be charged according to the total number of bins ordered and your collection frequency. This is different than customers that are already containerized (e.g. those using front end bins). These customers are charged according to the quantity of bins set out per collection.

I receive waste collection at my building two times per week. The volume of garbage is not equally split between both days and there is usually a higher volume that needs to be picked up on one of the collection days.

As a pile customer converting to bins you must determine the number of bins you require to accommodate your location’s total need for waste storage. Solid Waste Management fees will be applied using the total number of units in your complex, the number of bins ordered and the waste collection frequency. For example, if you order eight (8) bins and receive 2 times per week pick up, you will be charged for the set out and collection of 16 bins per week. To manage and reduce fees, it may be helpful to split the waste into two (2) equal pickups and order fewer bins, or reduce your waste collection frequency to once a week.

Can I reduce the frequency of my waste collection?

Multi-residential customers can request a frequency of bi-weekly, once per week or twice per week garbage collection. If you are a pile location using bag tags for setting out your waste, please call the Pile Conversion Hotline at 416-392-6999 or email: 311@toronto.ca. The collection frequency will be determined at the time of your garbage bin order. You will be required to submit an authorized and signed statement of your request for change in frequency at your property.

If you are already using bins for the collection of your waste, please contact the Pile Conversion Hotline at 416-392-6999.You will be required to submit an authorized and signed statement of your request for change in frequency at your property.

By increasing my recycling and waste diversion I am able to reduce the number of garbage bins being set out for collection. Who do I notify to have the reduction in garbage bins reflected on my utility bill?

The City can be notified of a change in the quantity of your garbage bins by calling the Pile Conversion Hotline at 416-392-6999, or emailing: 311@toronto.ca. Please have the serial number of the bin recorded so the bin can be removed from the billing system.

How do I dispose of old garbage cans (metal or plastic)?

One option is to reuse your old garbage cans as yard waste containers. The City is planning to recycle the old garbage containers in the spring, once the majority of bins have been delivered city-wide.

How do I dispose of old recycling boxes?

You can use your containers to carry your recyclables from your building to the bin, or for storage of recyclables in you building. If you have no use for your old blue/grey boxes and would like to recycle them, you can drop them off at one of the City’s Recycling Container Pick-up Locations (excluding Etobicoke Civic Centre). For a complete listing of locations, see your collection calendar or visit the City’s website at: toronto.ca/recycling.

I am a multi-family bin customer. Can I use Garbage Tags for overflow garbage that does not fit in the Bin?

Multi-family bin customers are responsible for ordering and maintaining an adequate quantity of garbage and recycling bins to satisfy the total storage needs at their complex. Garbage Tags may be used for the occasional circumstance where excess garbage is generated.

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Calculating the Solid Waste Management Fee

When does the program begin?

The Solid Waste Management Fees for all multi-unit customers receiving City collection began in July 2008, and were revised as of July 1, 2010.

How much will the Solid Waste Management Fee for my building be?

You can estimate the Solid Waste Management Fee for your building using the Calculator (XLS).

Effective July 1, 2010, the new linear rate structure is based on a standard upfront service fee of $175.00 for the collection of the 1.704 cubic yards of un-compacted garbage or 0.852 cubic yards compacted garbage (base volume). Excess garbage volume above the aforementioned base garbage volume will be charged a standard cubic yard fee of $12.81 for un-compacted garbage and $25.63 for compacted garbage. A rebate of $175.00 per unit per year will be allocated to City of Toronto customers participating in the City’s Solid Waste Collection Program.

How do the new fees for multi-unit residential buildings compare to those for single-family residential properties?

The fees are based on the same principles, but take into consideration the following key differences between single-family residential properties and multi-unit residential properties:

• current tax structure (tax rate for multi-unit is 2.5 times the single-family tax rate);
• average number of residents (average multi-unit has approximately 2/3 the number of residents per unit compared to a single-family property); and
• cost of collecting and managing waste.

The fees for multi-unit residential customers are lower than the fees for single-family residential customers. This is because multi-unit residential buildings typically receive bulk collection which is less expensive than curbside collection.

Why is the fee on my Utility Bill lower than the estimate provided by the Calculator?

The calculator estimates monthly fees by assuming a 30 day month. The fees shown on the Utility Bill are based on the actual number of days in the collection period.

If my building compacts some, but not all, of its waste, how will this be reflected in the billing?

If a building has a compactor, all bins at that location will be billed as compacted. If you have a compactor, you should use it to compact all of the building’s waste.

How can we use the garbage compactor to reduce costs?

A common reason for a low density and high volume of garbage is an improperly tuned compactor. Please note that if your building has a compactor, you are required to use it to compact all of the waste generated at your building.

What happens if an empty container is inadvertently collected; how will this be reflected in the billing?

All bins collected will be billed as if they were full; therefore, only set out full bins on the collection pad.

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Billing information

How will Solid Waste Management Fees be charged?

Owners of multi-unit residential buildings will receive a new, combined, Toronto Water/Solid Waste Utility Bill. The Solid Waste Management Fee will be shown separately from the water fees and will be based on how much garbage the building generated during the billing period. Condominium properties, whose bills are typically made out to the condominium corporation, will also see a rebate of $175 per unit on the bill, which will offset charges incurred by the condo building. The rebate will be prorated over all of the Utility Bills a building receives over the course of the year.

How do I make payments?

Payment options will be listed on the new Utility Bill.

Reading and understanding your utility bill.

Don't buildings already pay for garbage collection through their property taxes?

The cost of Solid Waste Management is currently paid through the property taxes that a building pays. The City wanted to remove the cost of solid waste services from the property tax bills once the new fees began; however, because the current costs for solid waste services cannot easily be removed from the property tax bill, every multi-unit building will receive a rebate equal to the average amount collected through the tax bill. The rebate for multi-unit building owners will be $175 per unit per year and will be shown as a credit on the new Utility Bill. For multi-unit buildings with rental tenants, the building property owner will get an annual rebate of $175 per unit applied against charges incurred by the building. Condo properties, whose bills are typically made out to the condo corporation, will also see a rebate of $175 per unit on their bill, which will offset charges incurred by the condo building. The rebate will be prorated over all the Utility Bills a building receives over the course of the year.

How often will I be billed?

You will be billed at the same frequency throughout the year as your current Water Bill.

Will the fees change?

Fees will be updated annually through the City's budget process.

Will rebates continue to be offered next year?

The City wanted to remove the cost of solid waste services from the property tax bills once the new fees began; however, because the current costs for solid waste services cannot easily be removed from the property tax bill, every multi-unit building will receive a rebate equal to the average amount collected through the tax bill. This will continue until the fees can be removed from property taxes.

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