3Rs Ambassador Program

Training for the 3Rs Ambassador Program will now be delivered in a hybrid format, providing attendees with the option to attend either in-person or online. See Training Sessions for more details.

The 3Rs Ambassador Program supports the City’s Long-term Waste Management Strategy. This program engages volunteers in apartments, condos and co-ops to help promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). Ambassadors can tailor programs to suit their building and other residents. The long-term goal is to have at least one 3Rs Ambassador in each apartment, condo and co-op building. Becoming a 3Rs Ambassador is a great way to:
  • help the City increase waste diversion and reduce recycling contamination in multi-residential buildings
  • help reduce environmental impacts
  • reduce your building’s garbage costs
  • get to know your neighbours
  • meet people who are passionate about waste management
  • earn volunteer hours (10 hours/month is recommended but not required)

Learn more about the program below and submit a volunteer application.

Volunteers must:

  • live in an apartment, condo or co-op in Toronto that has nine units or more and receives waste collection service from the City of Toronto. To determine if your building receives waste collection service from the City of Toronto, ask your property manager or contact 311.
  • be 16 years of age or older (those 14 or 15 years old are eligible with their parent/guardian’s permission)

If you meet the eligibility criteria you need to:

  1. Get the support of your building manager and/or superintendent to participate in the Program and their agreement to assist on an ongoing basis
  2. Complete an application form
  3. Complete an informal 10-15 minute phone interview
  4. Attend a three-hour training session in-person or online

After completing the training, 3Rs Ambassadors can educate and engage building residents in various ways, such as:

  • putting up posters in common areas (e.g. lobby, chute room, elevator, hallway, laundry room) or arranging for 3Rs information to be shown on lobby/elevator screens
  • sharing information in building communications (e.g. newsletters, building group on social media)
  • preparing waste information welcome packages and offering tours for new residents
  • setting up a lobby display or information table
  • setting up bins for the collection of items like batteries and electronics
  • setting up and maintaining an area/shelf for items to be reused/shared/borrowed
  • organizing events, e.g. waste reduction challenges, waste diversion activities/games, trivia nights, swaps

Note: Some activities may need to be approved by the building manager and/or superintendent.

The City will support 3Rs Ambassador Volunteers by providing:

  • training on relevant waste management information, 3Rs opportunities in multi-residential buildings and effective communication
  • free posters, guides, stickers, etc.
  • regular communications on waste reduction, reuse and recycling
  • opportunities to meet other 3Rs Ambassadors and share knowledge
  • assistance with activity planning, questions or concerns

Training for the 3Rs Ambassador Program will now be delivered in a hybrid format, providing attendees with the option to attend either in-person or online.

Details regarding how to join the online training will be provided to those registered.

All Ambassadors must complete the verification process and attend training before beginning any education or outreach activities.

Note: Visitors to City Hall must go through Visitor Screening including a walk-through metal detector upon entering the building. Screening takes place on the first floor, once visitors have entered the front doors.

Upcoming Sessions

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Delivery: Hybrid (In-person and online)
Location: Committee Room 3 – Toronto City Hall
Address: 100 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2

Educational resources and posters that provide information on how to properly sort and dispose of waste, as well as ways to reduce waste, are available to download and print. Printed copies may also be requested.