The City of Toronto continues to modify its services and operations to respond to COVID-19 and align with provincial regulations and orders and direction from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. There has been an increasing number of COVID-19 cases among the City’s Solid Waste Management Services’ staff. To ensure the safety of staff and residents, guard against any further spread and ensure Solid Waste Management Services’ staffing levels are adequate to maintain curbside waste collection, the City is closing Drop-Off Depots to the general public beginning Friday, April 30.
Until the provincial Stay-At-Home order is lifted, only those with an existing registered account can continue to bring materials to depots. Household hazardous waste will not be accepted, and registered account holders will only be able to drop off materials from Monday to Friday during regular hours. Registered account holders visiting a depot will continue to be required to wear a mask/face covering and practise physical distancing. Those account holders who are exempt from wearing a mask/face covering, must schedule their time of arrival by calling 311 to be transferred to a depot to book a time. Toxic Taxi continues to run for pickup of household hazardous waste and appointments can be made by calling 311. The City will reassess the situation once the provincial Stay-At-Home order is lifted.
Collection of garbage, Blue Bin recycling, Green Bin organics and yard waste is continuing, as scheduled. Any excess recycling should be placed in a large clear bag and set out beside a resident’s Blue Bin. Recycling that is placed in black bags or bags that are not clear will be considered garbage. Excess cardboard should be flattened, cut into small pieces and bundled with string or twine. Excess organics should be put in a clear bag and set out beside a resident’s Green Bin. Garbage tags are still required for excess garbage and can be bought online and mailed to one’s home.
As a precaution due to COVID-19, the City continues to ask residents to dispose of all personal hygiene/sanitary products, including tissues, napkins, paper towels, wipes, masks and gloves, in the garbage and ensure that all garbage is bagged. Diapers can continue to be disposed of in the Green Bin.
More information regarding the status of Solid Waste Management Services’ programs and services is available online.
Toronto is in the Shutdown Zone of the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework and subject to a provincial Stay-at-Home order. Everyone in the city should be staying home except for essential reasons such as going out for groceries or exercise and being sure to stay as close to home as possible. Please review the City’s COVID-19: Guide for Residents for information on what is and is not permitted under provincial regulations and City bylaws: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-reopening-recovery-rebuild/covid-19-guide-for-toronto-residents/.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.