Description of Service / Summary
Residents can request free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pick-up through the City’s Toxic Taxi service. Requests are submitted online, and materials must be prepared and set out safely according to collection guidelines, including quantity limits and packaging requirements.
Submit a Pick-Up Request
A request for HHW pick-up (Toxic Taxi) can be submitted online.
For additional HHW disposal options, visit: http://toronto.ca/hhw
Instructions for Pick-Up
Set-Out Time and Location
- Place items out by 7 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day.
- HHW must be placed on private property at the front of the residence — not at the curb, sidewalk, boulevard, street, backyard, or laneway.
- Items may be placed on an open front porch/veranda or in front of a garage (unless located in a laneway).
- Laneways are not accessible. Place items on the street-address side of the property whenever possible.
- Properties on main roads must provide an on-site contact name and number to arrange collection.
- In winter, keep items free of snow and ensure driveways and walkways are clear of snow and ice.
Accepted Quantities
- Total amount must be between 10 and 50 litres, with a maximum of 20 kg per container.
- Example: Up to 15 one-gallon (3.8L) paint cans.
- Limits are based on the container’s labeled volume, not how full it is.
- Containers cannot exceed 20 litres each.
- Materials over 50 litres/kilograms will not be collected. A second pick-up must be booked.
Sorting and Packaging Requirements
- Provide a list of items and quantities when booking.
- Set out only eligible HHW items.
- Sort and separate materials (e.g., batteries, paints, light bulbs must not be mixed together).
- Place items in an open-topped, labeled container (such as a cardboard box).
- Do not close or tape boxes shut.
- Do not use plastic bags, garbage bags, or cloth grocery bags.
- Liquid materials must be sealed, labeled, and in non-leaking containers (e.g., paint cans must have lids).
- Package light bulbs carefully to prevent breakage.
- Remove all personal information from medication containers.
Special Item Guidelines
- Fluorescent Tubes:
- 20–40 tubes accepted per pick-up.
- Place in original box or bundle/tape together in groups of 8.
- Tubes 8 feet or longer are not accepted and must be dropped off at a Drop-Off Depot or Community Environment Day.
- Needles/Syringes:
- Place in an approved puncture-proof sharps container or sealed plastic container (e.g., plastic jug or water bottle).
- Clearly label as “needles” or “syringes.”
- Containers will not be returned.
- No minimum quantity required.
- Cooking Oil (Residential Only):
- Must be in a sealed container labeled “used cooking oil.”
- BBQ Tanks:
- Maximum of three tanks per pick-up (20 lbs each or under).
- Larger tanks (helium, propane, oxygen, acetylene, etc.) must be returned to the place of purchase.
- Fire Extinguishers:
- Limit of three per scheduled collection.
- The pin must be in place for removal.
