Description of Service / Summary
Property owners can choose to opt in or opt out of City waste collection services by completing the appropriate application form and contacting 311. Only the authorized property owner can submit the request. Recycling services must also be arranged separately through Circular Materials.
How to Apply
- Contact 311 or submit a service request online to request a mail-out of the application form.
- You may also print the form from the City of Toronto website.
- After completing the form, follow the instructions on the application email address to submit it.
- Important:
- Only the authorized property owner can enroll or cancel services.
- You must complete the Opting In / Opting Out of Solid Waste Management Collection form.
- For recycling services, you must contact Circular Materials at 1-888-921-2686 to opt in or out.
Opting Out – Cancelling City Waste Collection
(Single Family Homes and Apartments Above Businesses)
- City waste collection is an all-or-nothing service.
- If you opt out, your property will no longer receive any City waste collection services, including:
- Garbage
- Organics (Green Bin)
- Yard waste
- Other City-collected materials.
Returning City Bins
- All Garbage and Green Bins assigned to the property must be returned to the City.
- Place bins where they are visible and accessible for Solid Waste Management staff to collect.
- Recycling bins require separate instructions from Circular Materials (1-888-921-2686).
Important Notes
- Garbage and Green Bins remain the property of the City of Toronto and must stay with the property when moving.
- An Opt-Out form is not required when moving.
If You Temporarily Do Not Need Collection
If you are renovating, demolishing a home, or traveling for six months or more, you may:
- Opt out of collection services, or
- Reduce your service level by downsizing your bin.
Note:
- If you choose neither option, you will continue to be charged for the bin size assigned to your property, even if no waste is set out.
Opting In – Reinstating City Waste Collection
(Single Family Homes and Apartments Above Businesses)
Eligible services include:
- Garbage collection
- Organics (Green Bin) collection
- Yard waste collection
- Electronic waste
- Household hazardous waste
- Oversized item collection
Steps to Reinstate Service
- Complete the Opt In form and submit it to Solid Waste Management Services.
- Contact Circular Materials at 1-888-921-2686 to opt into recycling collection.
Fees
- Under the Solid Waste Management Fee structure, residential properties receiving City collection services are charged a service fee.
Processing Time
- Allow up to 14 business days for the application to be processed.
- Delivery of Garbage and Green Bins may take up to two weeks.
For more details, visit the City of Toronto website.
Apartments, Condominiums, and Non-Residential Customers
Opting Out
- Visit the City of Toronto website to complete the application form to opt out of City waste collection services.
Opting In
- To re-enroll in City waste collection services:
- Email Solid Waste Management Services (swmsupport@toronto.ca) with your name, address, and phone number, or
- Contact 311 to request a mail-out application.
Staff will contact you to discuss the request and next steps.
Expected Response Times
- Opt-In Requests:
- Up to 14 business days to process the application
- Up to 2 weeks for bin delivery
- Opt-Out Requests:
- Up to 2 weeks for collection services to stop
Additional Form
- 2026 Non-Residential Customer Opting Out of Solid Waste Management Collection form.
