Summary:
Oversized items are household materials too large to fit in a standard garbage bin, even when empty. These items can be placed next to your garbage bin on your scheduled garbage collection day without requiring tags or an appointment. This guide outlines what qualifies as oversized, how to properly set items out, and what to do if some items are missed during pickup.
Overview of Oversized Item Collection
- Definition: Items that cannot fit inside a standard garbage bin are considered oversized.
- Set-out location: Place oversized items 0.5 metres (2 feet) away from your garbage bin on your regular garbage collection day.
- No appointment or tags required: Oversized items can be set out without pre-scheduling or purchasing tags
- Accepted materials: Visit the Oversized and Metal Items page for details on accepted items, proper set-out, and annual fees.
- Check item eligibility: Use the Waste Wizard to see if your item qualifies as oversized and to review set-out instructions.
- Collection capacity: There is no limit to the number of oversized items that can be placed out for collection.
- Collection method: Oversized items are usually picked up by separate trucks from those used for regular waste.
Missed or Partial Collection
- If some oversized items are left behind, it may be because the first truck reached capacity.
- A second truck will typically collect the remaining items.
- If items are not picked up within one business day, contact 311 or submit an online service request for a missed collection.
Set Out Instructions
- Furniture and large items:
- Disassemble or break down items with moving parts or multiple components.
- Secure or tie parts together so they are safe and manageable for collection crews.
- Glass tables, tops, or panes (intact):
- Wrap securely in cardboard, thick paper, fabric, or bubble wrap.
- Clearly label “glass item.”
- Broken glass, mirrors, or windows:
- Wrap sharp edges with multi-layered material (paper, cardboard, plastic, or fabric).
- If small enough, place in your Garbage Bin.
- If too large, set out as an oversized item and label clearly as “glass item.”
- Bed bug–infested furniture or mattresses:
- Follow the Bed Bug Infested Furniture Disposal Instructions.
- If collection staff observe visible live bed bugs, they will leave a notice instructing you to seal the item in plastic before pickup.
- Infested recyclables should be sealed in black garbage bags and placed in the Garbage Bin.
- Flood-damaged oversized items:
