Garbage and Recycling Bins in City Parks

Garbage and Recycle bins in City parks are emptied on a regular basis. The following issues related to garbage and recycling bins in City parks (except for Toronto Island Park) can be reported to 311:

  • Bin Removal/ relocation
  • Graffiti on a bin
  • Installation of a bin
  • Overflowing litter or recycling bins; or
  • Request a new bin
  • Missing bins
  • Damaged bins

Note: Graffiti related concerns: 

  • For graffiti vandalism in progress, please call 911.
  • For graffiti that is discriminatory, hate-motivated, or gang-related, also report it to Toronto Police Non-Emergency by calling 416-808-2222 or online at www.tps.ca/services/online-reporting

Beverage Container Recycling in Parks

There are currently about 700 new recycling containers in parks across the city. The new bins are designed to exclusively capture empty beverage cans and bottles. The bins have been modified from the standard recycling containers to include a hole cut out on the front of the bin lid. Stickers adhered to the bins and signage beside the bins indicate what items are accepted and not accepted in the new containers. In 2023, the City installed beverage bins at premium sports fields across Toronto and parks that were participating in the Alcohol in Parks pilot program. Visit the City of Toronto website for further information.

Types of Bins in City Parks

There are two types of garbage bins in City parks:

  1. Plastic Automated Garbage and Recycling Bins: These bins, similar to residential bins, are collected by trucks with automated arms.
  2. Wire Basket Garbage Bins: These see-through baskets are typically found in the interior of parks and are managed by the Parks & Recreation Supervisor.

Don Valley Brickworks Off-Leash Park: Bins within the fenced dog area are maintained by the Humane Society, which removes bags from the bins for collection by the Parks litter bin staff.

Winter Months: Some park litter bins may be temporarily removed during the winter due to accessibility issues. These bins are not missing but are relocated for storage and will be reinstalled in the spring.

Reporting Issues in City Parks

To report any of the following issues in a City park, including the Toronto Islands, contact 311 to be referred to the appropriate Parks & Recreation Supervisor:

  • Broken, Overflowing, or Graffiti-covered Garbage or Recycling Wire Baskets
  • Litter on the Ground