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Toronto's Pesticide Bylaw and Natural Lawn and Garden Care |
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On April 1, 2004, the City of Toronto passed a bylaw banning the use of pesticides on all public and private property except in certain situations. The law applies to everyone, including homeowners, renters, lawn care companies, golf courses and property managers.
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To allow people time to get familiar with the bylaw and alternatives to pesticides, the City phased in full enforcement of the bylaw. Starting September 1, 2007, anyone breaking the bylaw is subject to fines of up to $5,000.
Note: The provincial government has announced a new Ontario-wide pesticide ban, but it is not yet in place. Toronto's Pesticide Bylaw is still in effect. Check this website for more details.
Commonly Asked Questions about the Bylaw
Does the bylaw restrict weed killers?
Yes. Weed killers (also called "herbicides") are a type of pesticide, so are covered under the bylaw. Pesticides include products that kill weeds, insects and plant diseases.
Can I still use fertilizers?
Yes, but not if the fertilizer contains weed killer. "Weed and feed" products are not permitted. Read the label on the product, and avoid products that contain ingredients like 2, 4-D, mecoprop or dicamba.
Why is the City involved in the way I handle my own lawn or garden?
Pesticides can be dangerous, and not just to the people who use them. Scientists have identified links between exposure to pesticides and serious health problems, including harm to reproductive and nervous systems. Children are particularly sensitive to the effects of pesticides, as are some adults. Find out more about the health effects.
How does my pesticide use harm others?
Any pesticide use may put your health or others at risk. Pesticides from your property can drift in the air, and may wash into rivers, streams and sewers, eventually finding their way into Lake Ontario. That's the source of our drinking water. For the benefit of all residents, we need to reduce pesticides.
How am I supposed to know which products I can use, and which I should avoid?
The bylaw permits the use of pesticides that contain certain lower-risk ingredients. The easiest way is to read the label to find out what the product contains. The ingredient is listed on the label in small print next to the word "Guarantee."
Choose pest control products only if they contain one of the following ingredients:
- A soap
- A mineral oil, also called dormant or horticultural oil
- Silicon dioxide, also called diatomaceous earth
- Biological pesticides including Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and nematodes
- Borax, also called boric acid or boracic acid
- Ferric phosphate
- Acetic acid
- Pyrethrum or pyrethrins
- Fatty acids
- Sulphur
- Corn Gluten Meal
Avoid pest control products that contain the following ingredients:
- 2,4-D
- mecoprop
- dicamba
- glyphosate
- carbaryl
- diazinon
(Note: this is not a complete list of ingredients to avoid.)
Here is a list of the most common pesticide products that contain ingredients you should choose or avoid.
How can I learn more about keeping my garden looking good without pesticides?
The first thing you need to know is that it can be done. You don't need pesticides to make your garden look good - healthy soil and plants will resist most weed and insect problems. Our Go Natural section contains all the information you will ever need to keep your lawn and garden healthy and pesticide-free.
More information about Toronto's pesticide bylaw.
Pesticide Bylaw (PDF file size 16KB)
Pesticide Complaint Form (PDF file size 62KB)
Fax or mail this form if you suspect that a pesticide has been used illegally
Information for Lawn Care Companies
Selected bylaw updates and emerging issues for the professional sector.
City Reports
Read the reports and decisions of the Board of Health and City Council related to the Pesticide Bylaw
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