Last updated March 24, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Fees Associated with the Bins System/Bags System
Ordering Bins
Instructions for Use
Background
What if the property owner refuses to participate?
If the owner does not make a selection, the default option will be that the tenants
of RUAC units will set out their garbage for collection in garbage bags affixed
with the City-issued yellow garbage bag tags ($3.10 per tag) and will also set out recycling for collection in clear plastic bags.
If I am on the Bags System, can I get a Green Bin?
Organics (Green Bin) collection will be offered to RUAC units using the Bags System.
The City will provide one free residential Green Bin (plus one kitchen catcher) to each RUAC property that calls in to state that they are opting for the Bags System for garbage and wanting to participate in organics. The 'bag customer' needs to pick up the Green Bin at a City Container Pick-up Location and show relevant identification. Property owners that require additional Green Bins for multiple units will have to purchase at their own expense any additional bins from Home Hardware Stores or a City Container Pick-up Location.
Is the commercial tenant required to participate and share the bins with the residential customers?
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 per cent are anticipated. Efficiency gains will result in the redeployment of some collection staff and will allow for the introduction of new services.
Can we use the bins as soon as they get them?
Yes. Please place bins out at your regular collection point.
Fees associated with the Garbage Bins
How much will this program cost the property owner?
Table 1 - Fee Schedule for Residential Units Above Commercial Premises
(Weekly Collection) and Commercial Premises in lieu of the Yellow Bag Program
| Bin Size |
Fee Schedule (Yearly) |
Rebate |
Net |
| Small |
$248.00 |
$209.00 |
$39.00 |
| Medium |
$342.00 |
$209.00 |
$133.00 |
| Large |
$491.00 |
$209.00 |
$282.00 |
| Extra Large |
$798.00 |
$209.00 |
$589.00 |
Note: A rebate of $209.00 will be applied per building.
Table 2 - Fee Schedule for Residential/Multi-Residential Units Subscription Service
| Bin Size |
Frequency |
Fee Schedule (Yearly) |
| Extra Large |
Bi-weekly |
$399.00 |
| Extra Large |
Weekly |
$679;00 |
| Extra large |
Twice-weekly |
$1,241.00 |
Note: A rebate of $157.00 per unit in a building will be applied.
Will the City be charging for the new Garbage and Recycling Bins?
The initial bins are free. The bins are the property of the City. At this time a warranty is included to cover damage/repairs and/or stolen bins.
How will I be charged these annual Garbage Fees?
The bins are scanned and coded to the property for billing purposes. You will receive a new combined Water/Solid Waste Utility Bill. The Solid Waste cost portion will show charges based on the size of the Garbage Bin you choose and this amount is separate from the Water Charges.
Owners will pay for Solid Waste Services through the new Utility Bill. In the past costs for Solid Waste Service were collected as part of property taxes because these costs cannot easily be removed from the property tax bill, every property will receive a credit equal to the average amount collected through the tax bill period. Property owners will put the $224.00 yearly rebate towards paying for the new Solid Waste Service Fees.
The $224.00 rebate will be divided on each Utility Bill you receive over the course of the year. Please keep in mind, that you will receive only one (1) $224.00 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.
When will the billing for waste fees start?
When you take possession of the bin.
I have more than one unit above the commercial address. Do I have to purchase additional Green Bins for each residential unit?
Yes.
Property owners that require additional Green Bins for multiple units will have to purchase at their own expense any additional bins from Home Hardware Stores or a City Container Pick-up Location.
If the owner/landlord is receiving a rebate and I have to purchase tags, what can I do to be part of the program or be compensated?
Property Owners/Landlords are responsible for the user fees associated with the new Bins System or City issued Bag Tags. It is understood that the registered property owner/landlords receiving the rebate will make the arrangements to provide bins or the appropriate number of bag tags to tenants for the amount of waste generated at the property location.
This would be something arranged between tenants and owner/landlords of the property. If you wish to further inquire on your own or have an issue, you may do so through the appropriate association which governs rental property laws (e.g. Landlord/Tenant Association).
I think I need the large bin based on the amount of material I put out. I don’t have room to store that size bin. Is it possible to have two smaller bins for the same cost of a larger bin?
We recognize that some properties have challenges with storage. In this case to be considered for two smaller bins in place of one larger one, you must call 311 to make the request. At this time, you can opt for the Bags System and purchase City-issued yellow garbage bag tags to place out your materials for collection. Only garbage bags need to be tagged. Recycling does not require a bag tag.
I believe that my Property Assessment is incorrect. Who do I contact to inquire about changing my Property Assessment?
The Ontario Government has made a number of changes to the Request for Reconsideration (RfR) and Appeal processes including changing the deadline for filing a RfR with MPAC. The new deadline for filing a RfR with MPAC is March 31, 2009 for the 2009 property tax year. For more information about RfRs and appeals, including an informative video explaining the process, go to the Resolving Assessment Concerns section or call 1 866 296-MPAC(6722) or you can go to the website at:
www.mpac.on.ca.
Ordering Bins
How do I know what bin sizes and number of bins to order?
If you opt for the Bins System, the number of bins and size of bins selected depends on the number of tenants and apartment units in the building. It is not necessary to supply each tenant or apartment with its own individual Blue, Garbage or Green Bin. You may consider the recycling and garbage needs of all the units collectively, including the option of sharing centrally located bins.
Before placing your order, please determine how many bins and what sizes you need (see dimensions capacity and in the case of garbage, the fee associated with each size of Garbage Bin). Green Bins are one size only.
How do I order bins?
To order Blue and Garbage Bins, visit toronto.ca/311 or call 311.
I am a tenant at the property, can I order the bins?
No, the property owner is responsible to order the appropriate bins for the property. It must be the “owner/landlord” or a registered representative of the landlord (i.e. property management personnel) placing the orders as they are responsible to pay the new solid waste fees. We have suggested that the property owner consult with tenants about which system will be selected.
Will they be calling ahead prior to delivering the bins?
The City will be calling ahead prior to delivery therefore it is necessary that contact information is provided when ordering bins (i.e. Name, Address, Contact Person, Telephone Number and particular information related to delivery site).
Where will the bins be dropped off? Does someone need to be on site when they are dropped off?
When you call the City to order your new bins, please specify the location you wish the bins to be delivered to (e.g. laneway, back stairwell, back door, front door, entrance of the store on sidewalk, etc.). You will receive a call before delivery. All bins must be delivered to the service address; an alternative address will not be accepted.
It is not necessary to be on site when the bins are delivered.
What if my bin goes missing or is stolen?
If you suspect the bins have been stolen, please contact 311. A service request will be issued for an investigation. If the bin is not located, a new bin will be delivered after a follow-up investigation.
Until the bin is replaced, you must purchase and use City-issued yellow garbage bag tags.
What if I have other bin problems, like the wheel is broken, the lid is damaged or it is in need of a repair?
Property owners should request online or call 311 for a repair to either the Blue or Garbage Bin. A service request will be issued and the bin will be repaired or replaced within seven business days. No fee will be charged to the owner 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 collections cycles to confirm if you really need to make a change. If you do, please visit toronto.ca/311 or call 311.
In the case of Blue Bins a property is allowed one free exchange. There is no exchange fee if you are downsizing your Garbage Bin. If you exchange your Garbage Bin to a larger size there is an exchange fee of $20.00.
Instructions for Use and Collection of the New Bins
How often will collections take place?
The frequency for collection of garbage, recycling and organics will be weekly. It is necessary to amend the solid waste rates to reflect the higher collection frequency (i.e. weekly) of garbage, recycling and organics. Table 1 identifies the amended rates.
Where should I place my bins to receive collection?
Your collection will continue to be curbside placed out in front of the main property address to which the units are registered.
In the winter, do not place bins behind or on top of snow banks. Please make sure they are clearly visible and accessible.
My property has a long and narrow stairwell or fire escape. I do not have access to the front, how will my tenant(s) get the materials from the unit to the collection point?
Property owners should consult with their tenants. If they are not willing to take the materials from the residential/commercial unit to the collection point, they should be instructed to go on the Bags System.
The Bags System requires that each regular-sized garbage bag has a yellow garbage bag tag attached. These tags can be purchased at Canadian Tire. Businesses must use commercial yellow bags.
What if my bins or bags are not collected, who should I call?
If you have placed your materials out at the appropriate time for collection and suspect it was missed, please call 311 and speak to a Customer Service Representative who will enter a service request.
If I have multiple tenants, who is responsible to place the bins/bags out on a weekly basis for collection?
If you have ordered bins and have multiple tenants at the property utilizing the collection services, it is the responsibility of the property owner to assign a primary user to ensure materials are placed out on time for weekly collection.
What if there is extra garbage that won’t fit into the bin?
All garbage must fit inside the Garbage Bin with the lid closed. If you have extra garbage, each overflow garbage bag must have a City-issued garbage bag tag attached to it to receive collection. For 2011, property owners will receive a total of four free garbage tags that will expire December 31, 2011. Addition garbage bag tags cost $3.10 each and are available at Toronto Canadian Tire Stores. These tags are yellow and have no expiry date.
What if I can’t fit all of 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. Residents/tenants should keep the overflow recycling for the next scheduled pick up day for collection.
