Multi-residential - residential - yard waste - collection requirements - not picked up

• Submit a request online: http://www.toronto.ca/311/
  
• Residential and multi-residential customers can also call 311
  

Important: Reports must be made within one business day of the scheduled collection day.

Common Reasons Yard Waste May Not Be Collected

Yard waste may be left behind if it does not meet collection guidelines. Common reasons include:

• Incorrect yard waste or Christmas tree set out
  
• Yard waste containing prohibited items
  
• Metal ties used for bundling branches (not allowed)
  

Yard Waste Set-Out Time Requirements

To receive collection service, yard waste must be placed at the curb during the correct timeframe:

• Regular collection:
  
  • No earlier than 8 p.m. the night before collection
    
  • No later than 7 a.m. on the scheduled collection day
    
• Winter schedule (Nov. 1 – April 30):
  
  • Set out no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before
    
• Curbside night schedule:
  
  • Place yard waste after 6 p.m. and before 9 p.m.
    

Prohibited Items in Yard Waste

Yard waste must only include approved materials. The following items are not accepted:

• Garbage
  
• Recyclables
  
• Renovation waste
  
• Hazardous waste
  
• Grass clippings
  
• Soil or sod
  
• Any other prohibited materials
  

Weight Limits

Each yard waste bag, bundle, or bin must not exceed:

• 20 kg (44 lbs) per container or bundle
  

Bundled Branch Requirements

Branches must be bundled according to the following size limits:

• Maximum branch diameter: 7.5 cm (3 inches)
  
• Maximum bundle diameter: 0.6 m (2 feet)
  
• Maximum bundle length: 1.2 m (4 feet)
  
• These limits ensure the bundles fit safely into collection vehicles.
  

Christmas Tree Collection

Christmas trees set out for yard waste collection:

• Do not need to be cut down to four feet, unlike branches and brush.
  

Approved Yard Waste Containers

Yard waste must be placed in approved containers such as:

• Rigid open-top containers (e.g., Green City yard waste bins, bushel baskets, old recycling containers, garbage cans without lids)
• Maximum container height: 95 cm
  
• Kraft paper yard waste bags
  
• Bundled yard waste
  

Plastic bags are NOT accepted.

Accessibility Requirements

Yard waste must be placed so it is not blocked or obstructed and can be easily accessed by collection crews.

Cold Weather Considerations

During cold weather, rain and condensation may cause yard waste inside rigid containers to freeze. If materials are frozen inside the container, crews may not be able to empty it.

Quantity of Yard Waste

There is no limit on the number of yard waste bags or bundles you can set out. However:

• Each individual bag or bundle must weigh no more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
  

Mandatory Participation in the Yard Waste Program

Participation in the City of Toronto Yard Waste Program is mandatory for residents receiving curbside collection.

Residents must ensure that:

• Yard waste is kept separate from garbage
  
• Materials are properly placed out for collection
  

Collection Schedules and Calendar

To check when yard waste or Christmas tree collection begins or to confirm your collection day, review the collection calendar schedule on the City of Toronto website.

Multi-Residential Front-End Collection Properties

Multi-residential properties that receive front-end garbage collection from the City’s contractor will have a separate Christmas tree collection in January.

Refer to your collection calendar for the schedule.

To report a missed Christmas tree pickup, contact 311.

Multi-Residential Curbside Collection Properties

Multi-residential properties receiving curbside collection will have Christmas tree pickup on the same schedule as single-family residential homes.

Calendars are available online through the City of Toronto website.

Municipal Code Information

Detailed information about residential waste collection can be found in Chapter 844 of the Municipal Code.