Garbage Chute Closure Program

To be eligible, buildings must:

• receive City waste collection services
• have enough space to store uncompacted waste containers on the property (if applicable)
• have enough space to store recycling containers on the property
• have ordered, received, distributed and made residents aware of in-unit containers (organics) at least six months before the initial chute closure application

For detailed eligibility requirements, see Municipal Code, Chapter 844-36.

To apply, you must be the building owner or a property manager at your building.

1. Complete and submit the application form to the City.
2. The City will review your application and respond with further information. City staff will conduct a site inspection to ensure the property meets the eligibility requirements.
3. After completing the application form and site inspection, provide the following information to the City for approval:
   • a detailed communication plan for residents that explains the garbage chute closure, changes to the waste diversion system in the building and rationale and goals of the program
   • a sample letter or notice to residents describing the new waste management process at the building
   • a detailed communication plan on how the property manager or owner will assist seniors and people with disabilities in transporting their garbage, recycling and organics to the common collection area
4. After the above information is approved, the building owner or board must conduct a resident poll that shows 51 per cent of the units/co-op members signed in support of closing the garbage chute.
   • Only one name per unit can sign.
   • All residents must be at least 18 years old.

For more information or support with your application, contact SWMsupport@toronto.ca.

After the City grants your garbage chute closure permit, your building must:

• close the openings to the garbage chutes on all floors by a non-permanent and easily reversible method (such as by padlocking the openings)
• notify the City that the garbage chutes have been closed and have City staff inspect the garbage chutes
• eliminate the ability for residents to leave waste in rooms that contain access to the garbage chute, unless the room meets all applicable standards for depositing waste, and ensure the room is always kept clean
• maintain the garbage chute according to all applicable standards, including maintaining the garbage chute wash down system and sprinkler system
• comply with all applicable City bylaws, including requirements for garbage and debris storage and disposal
• maintain the common collection area and ensure it is clean and well lit
• comply with the approved plan to assist seniors and people with disabilities to transport their waste to the common collection area.
• keep the permit on file at the building for inspection by an officer

The City may revoke a garbage chute closure permit if your building:

• stops receiving waste collection from the City
• provided false or incorrect information in its application for a permit
• does not comply with Municipal Code, Chapter 844
• fails to bring the common collection area into compliance within two days of receiving a non-compliance order from the City
• does not maintain enough recycling containers
• no longer votes in favour of the closing the garbage chute

If the City revokes your permit, your building must reopen the garbage chute for normal use within five days.

For detailed permit conditions, see Chapter 844-41 and 844-42.