Residential garbage and recycling bin exchange

Description of Service/Summary:

Residents in the City of Toronto can request to exchange the size of their garbage or recycling bins. Garbage bin exchanges must be requested by the person named on the utility bill. Recycling bin exchanges can be requested by either the utility bill holder or a resident at the address. There is no fee to downsize either bin or to upsize a recycling bin. A fee applies to upsize a garbage bin.

Eligibility and Application Requirements:

• Must reside in the City of Toronto.
• Provide name and contact information.
• Garbage bin exchanges: requester must be the utility bill holder.
• Recycling bin exchanges: requester must be the utility bill holder or resident.
• Bin exchanges are not for reporting damaged bins. Submit a separate service request for damaged bins.
• Bins must be empty, placed on private property, and visible and accessible from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Bins cannot be left on City property for more than 24 hours.
• There will be two attempts to exchange your bin. If the first attempt fails, a notice will be left and a second attempt will occur within 5 business days.
• Please note: It may take more than one collection cycle for the exchange to occur. For example, if you submit a request during the week, the process will begin in your next collection week.
• When submitting your request, include the serial number found on the front of your bin (e.g., Garbage: 65G######, Recycling: 35R######). This helps the contractor verify ownership before proceeding.
• Submit requests online at: https://www.toronto.ca/311

Fees and Payment:

• No fee to downsize garbage or recycling bins.
• No fee to upsize recycling bins.
• Fee to upsize garbage bin (this is charged each time you up-size your garbage bin): The 2025 fee is $28.23 (tax-exempt).
• Fee may vary annually.

Bin Exchange Process:

Exchanges are completed within 14 business days. Based on collection schedule, exchanges occur on the next two business days following collection. 

• Day Collection: The exchange will happen on the next two business days after your scheduled collection day.
• Night Collection: The exchange will happen on the next two business days after your scheduled collection night.
• If the bin isn’t exchanged on the first business day, the crew will return the following day to complete it.

Special Instructions by Property Type:

Front/Side Door Collection Customers

Place bin at curbside if possible; otherwise, leave at front/side door. Bin must be visible and accessible.

Laneway Collection

If your property receives collection via a laneway, place your bin at the front of your property for exchanges or repairs.

Apartments Above Businesses

If there’s no private space to leave bins, owners or agents must ensure bins are visible and accessible from the street.