To report a missed green bin collection, you can submit a service request online or call 311. Please note that you must report organics not picked up within 1 business day of the scheduled collection day. Customers who have submitted a service request for a missed pick up should leave the bin at curbside. The investigation into why your items were not collected by Solid Waste Management Services will be addressed within 24 hours (Tuesday to Friday).
Reasons why bins may not have been picked up are:
- Bins were set out incorrectly; the wheels and handle must face the house
- Bins spaced less than 2 ft apart
- Bin contained prohibited items
- Tie downs / bungee cords on them
In order to receive organics collection service:
- Green Bins must be placed on the curb on the correct collection day, no later than 7 a.m. on scheduled collection day and no earlier than 8 p.m. the night before (6 p.m. from Nov. 1 to April 30)
- For Apartments above businesses on a night schedule, green bin must be set out after 6 p.m. and before 9 p.m.
- No garbage/recyclables/renovation waste/hazardous waste/grass/soil/sod or prohibited items can be placed in the green bin
- City issued green bins must be used
- Overflow organics material is not accepted from customers who have a green bin
- Overflow organics material is only accepted for customers who have lost their green bin and are awaiting a new one, material must be in a clear plastic bag at curbside on collection day, ensuring the bag does not weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
- If you have overflow organics, save the overflow materials for the next collection day, or if consistently overflowing, contact 311 to order an additional green bin. Please see the City of Toronto website on Green bin - organic bin - new or additional bins.
- Tie downs / bungee cords must be removed when bin is at curbside awaiting collection.
- Accessible - must not be blocked.
- Green bins must be placed on the ground for collection. Green bins that are placed on top of a garbage or blue bin will not be collected.
- Line either your indoor kitchen container or outdoor green bin, do not line both. You can use a plastic bag or kraft paper bag for either container. No special plastic is needed. A green bin liner must be tied inside of bin on collection day for crews to collect.
Detailed information about Residential Waste collection can be found in Chapter 844 of the Municipal code. For proper waste set out tips, see the City of Toronto website.
Participation in the Green Bin Program is mandatory for all City of Toronto residents receiving curbside collection. Every resident has a responsibility to ensure that materials designated as organics under the green bin program are kept separate from garbage and are properly placed out for collection. In multi-residential properties, the first course of action is for the property owner to police the tenants, as he/she will be held accountable. However, tenants can also be charged as well for non-compliance.
Note: The manufacture, import and distribution of single-use plastic checkout bags are prohibited under federal regulations as of December 2023
- Plastic bags to line waste bins remain available on store shelves in bulk packages, so Toronto residents are able to purchase these if they so choose.
- Other options for lining indoor kitchen catchers (i.e. organics containers) and garbage bins include reusing single-use plastic bags that are not covered by the federal government regulations, including produce bags, bread bags, milk bags, and overwrap from items like toilet paper. Residents may opt to use a different sized indoor container to better fit smaller bags.
- It’s recommended to use any bags to their full capacity so less are needed.
