Last updated October 7, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Background
Bin Ordering
Bin Delivery
Instructions for Use
Fees associated with Garbage Bins
With the new volume-based rate structure, there is a cost associated with each size of the new Garbage Bins. The fees, as stated in your Garbage Bin order package are now confirmed. Keep these costs in mind; along with the size of Garbage Bin you'll need to hold all of the garbage you produce every two weeks. These associated fees are effective as of November 1, 2008.
Background
Why the change to new bins?
The City of Toronto has launched a new automated collection service for all houses receiving curbside collection. Over one million Blue Bins for recycling and Garbage Bins were delivered in 2008. These new Blue Bins and Garbage Bins, which replace current containers, are two of the tools that will help us reach the City’s targeted 70% diversion goal.
Do I have to pay for these new bins?
The City is provides Blue Bins to residents free of charge. While the Garbage Bins are also provided free of charge to residents, there is an annual fee associated with each size of Garbage Bin (see other FAQs for fee details). Both types of bins are the property of the City of Toronto and are given to you for your use. There is no cost for Blue Bin (recycling), Green Bin (organics) and yard waste collection.
For both the Blue Bin and Garbage Bin, residents should choose their bin carefully based on the amount of material they produce (e.g. recyclables and garbage).
Is the bin 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. Toronto staff studied all of these programs in making their plans.
Has anybody in Toronto tested these new bins?
Yes. For a couple of years several thousand residents in the suburban and downtown areas participated in a pilot to test these larger recycling bins. The benefits of using these bins include:
- increased capture of recyclables
- the lid reduced blowing litter and protected contents from bad weather
- potential to reduce injury claims from collection crews
- s greater capacity to allow for additional materials
What do the new bins look like?
Please refer to the bin visuals for both Blue Bins and Garbage Bins that include details such as the estimated dimensions (and cost where applicable), along with approximately how much each bin size holds. The bins have a lid that protects contents from bad weather and prevents the nuisance of blowing litter. The bins have wheels for easy transport.
I need information in a language other than English, how can you help me?
Translated information is available. You may also call 416-392-BINS (2467) to gain access to the City’s Language Line.
Is the bin-based automated collection more efficient than the existing manual collection? If so, will this result in layoffs?
One of the reasons for moving towards a bin-based system is improved efficiency. The actual rates of improvements will be determined in the expanded pilot area, but based on experience in other cities, such as Vancouver, efficiency improvements of at least 10% are anticipated. Efficiency gains will result in the redeployment of some collection staff and will allow for the introduction of new services.
Will the City add new items to its recycling program?
Yes. In December 2008, retail plastic bags such as grocery and shopping bags that are made of 100% plastic were added to the recycling program. The City also accepts foam polystyrene products (e.g. solid polystyrene foam packaging, foam meat trays, takeout food containers, foam coffee cups without lids, and foam egg cartons). It is a good idea to check the website for the most up-to-date recycling information.
Will my collection day change?
No, there are no changes to collection days or to collection frequency. Garbage and recycling collection is every two weeks on alternate weeks as per your local single-family household collection calendar. Green Bins are collected weekly.
What about residents living in multi-unit buildings (rental or condo)?
An equivalent recycling program was introduced for multi-unit residential buildings, effective July 1, 2008. The Green Bin (organics collection) is currently being rolled out to these types of buildings. It will take until April 2010 to bring all 5,000 apartments, condos and co-ops into this program.
Will anyone be exempt from this plan?
No, this plan applies to all residents receiving City collection (including those with medical needs, low income families, seniors, large families and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation).
Are churches part of this new Bin program?
No. Churches are not part of the new Bin Program. Churches should continue to set waste and recyclables out for collection in the same manner as in the past.
Where can I get more information about the bins or this new volume-based rate structure?
There are City staff reports and presentations that explain background information, including 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.
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 416-394-2535.
Can raccoons get into my Garbage and Blue Bins?
The Garbage Bin and Blue Bin are designed with an attached lid to prevent animals from getting inside the bins. Most raccoons focus on the Green Bin but persistent ones may try to get into the Blue Bin and Garbage Bin. The best way to “critter” proof your bins is to eliminate as much odour as possible by rinsing recyclables and food packaging (e.g. pop cans, glass bottles and jars) before placing them in the appropriate bins.
It seems that raccoons and other animals can only open bins once one is pushed over. To prevent bins from being knocked over, secure them against a wall, fence or tree using a strap, hook or bungee cord. If you cannot secure bins to a wall, try hooking a short bungee cord from one side to the other, as long as you remove it before collection. Collectors will not pick it up a bin if a bungee cord is attached to the lid.
If you know you’ve had a problem with animals, rather than putting your bin out the night before pick-up, wait until early the next morning and put it out before 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day (raccoons usually feed at night). If you store your bin in a garage or shed, make sure the doors and windows are closed.
Raccoons, in particular, have always been an issue to deal with when it comes to setting out garbage for curbside collection. Keep managing this issue as you’ve always done with your regular garbage, and make use of the precautions we’ve suggested to secure your bins.
To provide additional security against persistent pests like raccoons, the City provides residents with the option of purchasing a latch lock addition to your current Green Bin latch. This extra latch costs $9.00 and is available at the same Works Yards serving as Container pick-up locations (PDF) and at local Community Environment Day events (not Home Hardware stores). It comes with easy to follow installation and usage instructions.
Bin Ordering
What bin size choices do I have?
There are four sizes of Garbage Bins. The bag reference is a regular size garbage bag that holds approximately 67 litres.
- Small Garbage Bin = 1 bag ($10 rebate*)
- Medium Garbage Bin = 1 ½ bags ($39/yr.*)
- Large Garbage Bin = 3 bags ($133/yr.*)
- Extra-Large Garbage Bin =4 ½ bags ($190/yr.*)
*All quoted costs factor in the $209 rebate each household will receive per year.
There are now four size choices for Blue Bins: Small, Medium, Large and Extra-large.
- Small Blue Bin = 1 blue box
- Medium Blue Bin = 2 blue boxes
- Large Blue Bin = 4 blue boxes
- Extra-Large Blue Bin = 6 blue boxes
How do I order my new bins?
Before ordering, you may wish to check out the Frequently Asked Questions page if you have any questions about the program that affects your order selection.
To order your bin(s), call 416-392-BINS (2467).
I have placed my order but I want to change it, is this possible?
Yes. To change your bin(s) size, please call 416-392-BINS (2467). Changing your bin size will need to be done by requesting an exchange.
Can I order more than one bin for my single-family home?
Generally speaking, no (exceptions will be made based on result of a property visit by City staff to determine specific property challenges). Only one bin is permitted per single-family home. Please think carefully and order the appropriate size for the amount of garbage and recyclables you generate every two weeks. If your home has a basement apartment, the tenants will need to share the bin size you select.
However, if necessary, you may have as many Garbage Bins as you require. Please keep in mind that you will only receive one $209 credit per year.
I am the landlord of a multiplex and received the order card that allows me to order multiple Bins. How many in total can I order?
While landlords should order enough bins to accommodate the amount of either garbage or recyclables generated by his/her tenants per collection cycle, please keep in mind the storage of the bins and that the maximum that can be ordered is one bin per apartment unit. The City recommends that landlords discuss capacity needs with their tenants. Please keep in mind that you will only receive one $209 credit per year per property.
I live in a residential property above a commercial unit and did not receive the information brochure and order package to choose a bin. Why?
Residential properties above commercial properties will not be part of the initial community Blue Bin rollout – they will be assessed at a later time.
How do I exchange my bin for a different size?
We ask that you try your current bin out for several collection cycles to confirm if you really need to make a change. If you do, then please call Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467).
In the case of Blue Bins, a household is allowed one free exchange prior to December 31, 2009. There is no exchange fee if you are downsizing your Garbage Bin. If you 'exchange up' your Garbage Bin, there is an exchange fee of $20.
Is this the final size for the Small Garbage Bin? It looks like it can hold more than one bag of garbage.
Yes, the bin dimensions as indicated are final. The small Garbage Bin has a raised floor restricting its capacity to one garbage bag, and that's intentional. If it didn't have the raised floor it wouldn't be tall enough to be picked up by the automated truck.
How many litres do the Small, Medium, Large and Extra-large Bins hold?
The City felt it was more helpful to reference the number of bags each size holds, thinking the resident could better relate to that form of measurement. Approximate measurements in litres: S=75L, M=120L, L=240L and XL=360L.
I’m moving by the end of the month, should I order new Bins?
We ask that that previous owner/resident(s) leave the bins behind. Bins are City of Toronto property. If a size exchange is required, the new resident taking ownership of the property can contact Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467) to request an exchange.
Bin Delivery
My neighbours all received their new bins, but I did not. How do I get either bin?
Please tell us you need either a Blue Bin or Garbage Bin by calling Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467).
Regarding Blue Bins: You may continue to use your blue/grey box or clear bags until your new Blue Bin is delivered.
Regarding Garbage Bins: Those without garbage bins are required to purchase tags until the new bin is delivered. If you choose to use your existing garbage can while waiting for your new bin, you are required to tag the top bag in the can and make sure is does not weigh more than 20 kgs (44 lbs).
What will happen if I’m not home when my bin is delivered?
The delivery company is instructed to deliver the bins as close to your front door as possible. If you are planning to be away for an extended period of time, please arrange for the party that will be looking after your home in your absence to bring your bin(s) to a safe place on your property.
Instructions for Use
When should I start using my new bins?
Start using the new bins as soon as you get them. You must stop using your old containers, as items will only be picked up if they're placed in the new bins.
Where do I place my bins to receive collection?
If you have a driveway, place your Blue Bin or Garbage Bin on your driveway; otherwise place either bin at the edge of the sidewalk, blocking as little of the sidewalk as possible. Either way, close the bin lid and position the bin so the handle and wheels face your house.
Place either bin a half-metre (approximately 2 feet) away from your Green Bin. There should be 3 metres (10 feet) of clearance above your Blue Bin or Garbage Bin to allow for mechanized collection.
In the winter, do not place bins behind or on top of snow banks. Please make sure they are clearly visible and accessible.
May I continue to use my current collection containers?
No. The bins will be collected by an automated truck designed to pick up the bin (but not your original containers) with an automated arm. We ask that residents make every effort to make the program work.
What do I do with my old collection containers?
You can use your containers to carry your recyclables from the house to the bin, or for storage in your home. Garbage cans/containers are made out of a mixture of materials (metal, different types of plastic) so they aren’t ideal for recycling. If your former garbage container has two handles, you can reuse it as an open top rigid container for leaf and yard waste or for storage.
If you have no use for your old garbage cans (metal or plastic) or blue/grey boxes and would like the City to recycle them, please take them to a Drop-Off Depot. Please make sure they are empty.
Where should I keep the bin(s)?
The bins are designed to be stored outside in all weather. It is entirely a resident’s choice, but there are lots of options, such as a) store it wherever you currently keep your garbage can; b) in the garage; c) in the backyard; d) in an outdoor storage unit; e) by the side of the house.
Can I line my new Bin with a plastic bag?
No. Items should be placed directly in the Blue Bin and the Garbage Bin.
Blue Bin: Recyclables should be loose and not bagged. Shredded paper only – put in clear plastic bag, tie closed and put into Blue Bin.
Garbage Bin: There is no need to use garbage bags. You can put smaller bags into the Garbage Bin or you can place your garbage in loose.
What if my Bin goes missing or gets stolen?
Please call Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467) to report the missing bin. A Service Request will be issued and a new bin will be delivered. Until the new Bin is delivered, you may use your former containers to receive collection.
What if I have other bin problems like the wheel is broken, the lid is damaged or it is in need of a repair?
Residents should call Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467) to request a repair to either the Blue Bin or Garbage Bin. A Service Request will be issued and the bin vendor will repair or replace, if necessary, within five business days. No fee will be charged to the resident for the repair of a bin.
How do I exchange my bin for a different size?
We ask that you try your current bin out for several collection cycles to confirm if you really need to make a change. If you do, then please call Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467).
In the case of Blue Bins, a household is allowed one free exchange prior to December 31, 2009. There is no exchange fee if you are downsizing your Garbage Bin. If you 'exchange up' your Garbage Bin, there is an exchange fee of $20.
What if I can’t fit all my recycling into my new bin?
All recycling goes inside the Blue Bin with the lid closed. This prevents litter and allows for automated pick-up. There is no limit on how much recycling you can put out. If you have overflow recycling that won't fit into your current Blue Bin, call 416-392-BINS (2467) to exchange your Blue Bin for a larger size or get another bin at no cost. If you have an occasional overflow of recyclables, ask your neighbour if they have room in their Blue Bin.
What can I do with lots of corrugated cardboard leftover from purchasing a new appliance? It won’t all fit in my Blue Bin.
Cardboard must be flattened/broken down and placed in your Blue Bin with the lid closed. You may need to put the cardboard out in stages over several collections or ask if your neighbour has room in their Blue Bin. You may also take it to a Drop-off Depot.
What should I do with my shredded paper?
Please place shredded paper in a clear plastic bag, tie closed and put it in your Blue Bin. In order for shredded paper to be recycled properly, it must be contained in a clear plastic bag. Loose shredded paper is too small to travel through the necessary recycling separation machinery at the recycling facility. Staff will remove the clear bag at the appropriate stage of the separation process.
What should I do with my disposable coffee cups?
Only empty foam polystyrene coffee cups without lids can be recycled in the Blue Bin. Paper coffee cups and their lids cannot be put in either the Blue Bin or Green Bin and must be thrown into the garbage.
What if I don’t produce enough garbage to fill even a Small-size Garbage Bin every two weeks?
You have the option of waiting until your Garbage Bin is full before setting it out for collection.
What is the City doing for properties that are so small they have problems handling two new bins?
The City has options for bag only or dual-use bin for both types of collection (one week, for recycling and the following week for garbage) for properties that don’t have adequate space. To qualify, the City must conduct a site visit and approve an alternate method. Contact Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467) to request a site visit.
We have street parking. How will the trucks manage to collect my bins?
Currently, the collection of recycling and garbage containers is not hindered by on-street parking. During daytime collection hours, there is generally enough room between cars for our staff to move bins safely and efficiently. It’s likely these areas will be serviced by semi-automated trucks. If the collection staff cannot move between the parked cars, staff will roll the bin to the nearest curb cut and will return your bin to its set out location.
What if I go on vacation or otherwise don’t set out garbage?
Residents will choose a bin size and be charged an annual rate whether they set out the bin or not, similar to the situation prior to November 1, 2008, during the time frame when you paid for solid waste services as part of your tax bill.
What should I do with my old garbage can(s)?
If you have no use for your old garbage cans (metal or plastic) or blue/grey boxes and would like the City to recycle them, please take them to a Drop-Off Depot. Please make sure they are empty.
What should I do with extra bags of garbage?
Extra garbage bags can be left beside your Garbage Bin if you attach a City-issued yellow garbage bag tag to each bag. Five free yellow garbage bag tags were mailed directly to property owners in November 2008. These tags will expire on December 31, 2009.
Additional yellow garbage bag tags are available in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at City of Toronto Canadian Tire stores and at Commissioners St. Drop-off Depot. Residents may also bring their garbage to a transfer station and pay a fee for disposal.
What about oversize garbage items?
An oversize garbage item is anything that is too big to fit into the particular size Garbage Bin you selected, when the bin is empty. If the item's dimensions are too big to fit into your empty Garbage Bin, then you may place this oversize garbage item beside your Garbage Bin for free collection. Please leave a space of .5 metres (2 feet) between your Garbage Bin and the item to provide collection access.
What you can personally set out as oversize depends on the size of bin you use. For example: a suitcase may fit into a large Garbage Bin, and if it does, but you set it out as ‘oversize’ then the garbage collection fee applies. The fee applies because you have exceeded your bin capacity.
If the suitcase won't fit into your bin, even when empty, then it qualifies as 'oversize' and when placed beside your Garbage Bin it will be collected for free. It may be picked up by the same truck as your bin or it may be a different truck, this will vary across the City.
There is no need to cut up or breakdown your oversize item because in the future the City expects to collect and divert this item for reuse, recycling or disassembly, to avoid sending it to landfill.
There used to be a six-item limit for garbage collection, is it still in effect with the new garbage collection system?
No, there is no item limit. You may put out as much garbage as you have provided it is in the appropriate bin, or set out as overflow in a bag with a City-issued bag tag attached to each bag. There is no limit to the number of oversize items you set out, but they must be set out according to City policy.
What do I do with overflow garbage?
Each overflow garbage bag must have a City-issued bag tag attached to it to receive collection. These yellow tags may be used at any time during the year. Yellow garbage bag tags are available in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at City of Toronto Canadian Tire stores and at stores and Commissioners St. Drop-off Depot.
In November 2008, the City mailed curbside serviced residents five free yellow garbage bag tags that have an expiry date of December 31, 2009.
What if there are no bins at my new home?
The City will provide you with bins at no charge, with proof of new residency in the first 90 days of moving into your new home. Please call Customer Service at 416-392-BINS (2467) for more information.
Should I purchase a compactor to make the most of my new Garbage Bin?
Solid Waste Management Services reserves the right to increase fees if we find that individual homeowners are compacting their waste. Our collectors will be monitoring the set out of compacted waste.
If a resident alternates one bin for both recycling and garbage collection and the resident needs the larger bin for recycling material and only needs the medium bin for garbage, what size bin would they be charged for?
They will pay the annual fee associated with the larger size bin.
What will happen to families currently on the six-bag exemption program?
This exemption program is no longer in effect.
Why aren't large families living in single-family houses offered preferential treatment in the new Bins Program?
The new volume-based rate system for garbage is based directly on the quantity of waste set out for collection and disposal and is modeled after other utilities such as water, electricity and natural gas. For example, a large family will use more water than a single neighbour next door and consequently will have a larger water bill. The cost to the City to collect and dispose of the waste generated by a large family is more than the cost to manage the single neighbour's smaller quantity of waste and this is reflected in the volume-based rate system. In addition, the Solid Waste Management Fees that will be charged fund all of the other diversion programs. For example, the cost to process and compost organics from the Green Bin Program is quite expensive and it costs the City more to manage the greater volume of organics generated by a large family.
Are black/green garbage bags still to be used or is garbage to be placed loose in the bin?
You have the option of placing your garbage in a regular garbage bag and then into the bin, but that isn’t necessary. You can put smaller, grocery size bags full of garbage into the bin or you can place your garbage loose into the bin, eliminating the need to continually purchase garbage bags. We ask that you do not line the bin with a plastic bag.
How carefully will the semi- automated and fully automated collection system be able to handle my bins?
The mechanized system of automated collection will be able to replace the bins in upright in the same place they were picked up from. In the cases of semi-automated collection, which may mean the collector has to wheel your bin to a different location to collect it, the bin will be wheeled back to its set out location.
Fees associated with Garbage Bins
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 by 2010. 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 now vary according to the volume of garbage put out for collection. Linking costs to volume of garbage means residents who reduce garbage will pay less.
How much money is needed to fund getting to 70 per cent 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 cost of $54 million annually.
What will the money received via the new Water/Solid Waste Utility bill 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
- Establishing a series of Reuse Centres and curbside collection of durable goods
- Providing Blue Bins for recycling to increase capacity
- Adding new materials to the recycling program
- Providing door-to-door Green Bin and recycling collection to townhouses
- Making recycling more convenient in multi-unit buildings
- Education, outreach and enforcement of mandatory diversion bylaws
- Introducing a volume-based rate structure based on volume of garbage generated
How will residents be charged these annual Garbage fees?
Residential households will receive a new combined Utility Bill. The Solid Waste cost portion will show charges based on how much garbage the home/building generates separate from the water charges. These associated fees are effective as of November 1, 2008.
Residents will only pay through one format for solid waste services, which is through the new Utility Bill. Because, in the past costs for solid waste services were collected as part of property taxes and cannot easily be removed from the property tax bill, every household/multi-unit building will receive a credit equal to the average amount collected through the tax bill. Home owners will put the $209 yearly rebate towards paying for their individual household's solid waste service fees. The $209 rebate will be divided on each Utility Bill you receive over the course of the year. Those opting for the small Garbage Bin will receive an additional $10 rebate, which will be used to offset your water charge.
Please keep in mind that you will receive one $209 rebate per year regardless of how many Garbage Bins you order. The rebate is applied once and the annual fee associated with any additional Garbage Bins will be charged in full.
For multi-unit buildings with rental tenants, the building property owner will get an annual rebate of approximately $157 per unit applied against the Solid Waste Management Fees incurred by the building. Condo properties, whose bills are typically made out to the condo corporation, will also see a rebate of $157 per unit on their bill, which will offset the Solid Waste Management Fees incurred by the condo building.
Is this new annual fee plan fair to large families?
The new volume-based rate structure is based directly on the quantity of waste set out for collection and disposal. It is modeled after other utilities such as water, electricity and natural gas. For example, a large family will use more water than a single person living alone or a couple and consequently will have a larger water bill. The cost to the City to collect and dispose of the waste and organics that is generated by a large family is more than the cost to manage the smaller quantity of waste/organics set out by a single person or couple household.
How will the $10.00 rebate work for the Small Garbage Bin? Will it show on a separate line on the new Utility Bill and will it be used towards paying the resident’s water charges?
Yes, the $10 annual rebate for using the small Garbage Bin will appear on the new Utility Bill and it will be applied to water charges currently due on the bill.
Please Note: Townhomes where the owner is responsible for the taxes that are on bulk meter (where we have created a garbage only account) will receive the rebate. Residents are required to call Revenue Services at 416-338-4829 to ask for the rebate (they will not issue a rebate but will transfer the credit to the taxes or refund for the complete year).
For Bag Only accounts: Owner/residents are required to call Revenue Services at 416-338-4829 to ask for the rebate.
I think I need the Large size bin based on how much material I produce, but I don’t have room to store that size bin. Two Medium size bins would work much better. Is this possible and how much would I pay using two Medium bins?
To be considered for two smaller bins in place of one larger one, you must call the City at 416-392- BINS (2467) and make a request. You will be put on a list for a site team visit. City staff will inspect your property to determine your challenges and conditions and make the appropriate recommendations and arrangements. Once you’ve been qualified for two bins in place of one, you would be charged the large size bin’s annual fee of $133 per year rather than double the medium size Garbage Bin annual fee.
If a resident changes their Bin size mid-year, what happens to the billing?
Their bill is adjusted and any charges are reflected on the next billing cycle.
Will the new charges be spread over the year or due in total on the first Utility Bill?
The annual Solid Waste Management Fee will be spread over the year and you will likely be billed at the same frequency throughout the year as your current water bill. Likewise, the appropriate rebate due to you will also be pro-rated across the Utility Bills you receive for the year.
If when I exchange for a different bin size and am charged a fee, how does this affect my new Utility Bill?
If you exchange your bin to a larger size at a time when exchange fees apply, then this charge will appear on your upcoming Utility Bill as a line item.
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