Odours

The City does not regulate odours on their own. However, the source of the odour may be covered by another City service or agency.

If you smell smoke, natural gas, freon or another type of gas:

  • Leave the area if it is unsafe.
  • Call 911 immediately.

Toronto Fire Services responds to reports of gas leaks, including freon.

If odours or fumes are coming from a restaurant or other food premises, contact Toronto Public Health.

If you notice a sewer gas smell inside your home:

  1. Pour one cup of a 50/50 mixture of water and household bleach into the affected drain or trap.
  2. Wait one hour.
  3. If the odour remains, contact 311 to request an investigation.

If the odour appears to be coming from a sewer, catch basin or another outdoor location, contact 311 and provide the location of the odour.

For information about how Toronto collects and treats wastewater, including wastewater treatment plants, visit the Managing Sewage in Toronto page.

If you notice a foul odour coming from a Solid Waste Management transfer station, contact 311.

If you are using paint, varnish or urethane:

  • Make sure the area is well ventilated.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

If you have concerns about fire or immediate safety, call 911.

If you are concerned about outdoor air quality, smog or hazardous fumes:

  • Report outdoor air pollution concerns to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
  • Contact Toronto Public Health during business hours if you have health concerns related to outdoor air quality.
  • Contact 311 after business hours.

For information about current air quality conditions, wildfire smoke and ways to protect your health, visit the City’s Air Quality page.

If you see a spill involving fuel, oil, chemicals or other hazardous materials, contact 311.

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to people or property.

For more information about how spills are managed, visit the Spill Response page.

If a City or City contractor garbage truck has leaked liquid, fuel or other material onto a road, contact 311.

If your tap water has an unusual taste or odour:

  • Check whether the smell is coming from the drain rather than the water.
  • Clean and disinfect the drain if needed.

For troubleshooting steps and additional guidance, visit the Tap Water Taste or Odour page.
Date modified: July 17, 2026