Community Environment Days run from April to the end of September. They are one of many waste reduction programs and initiatives supporting the City’s Long-term Waste Management Strategy. This program helps reduce the amount of reusable or recyclable waste going to landfill and allows for safe disposal of household hazardous waste.
At Drop-Off Depot events, a safe motorized vehicle is required to drop off waste for disposal and all loads must be properly secured. Walk-ins, bicycles and manual transportation devices are not permitted. Any unsafe vehicles or unsecured loads will be refused entry.
Please do not bring:
Residents can pick up free loose or bagged compost at a Community Environment Day event.
The compost is created from the yard waste and organic materials collected at the curb throughout Toronto. Various Ontario processors receive both of these materials and blend them with organic materials of different types and sources, producing optimum conditions for composting. The process uses naturally occurring micro-organisms to convert materials that were once considered waste, into an excellent source of plant nutrients for gardens and lawns. Before leaving the facilities, the compost is tested to ensure quality and provincial requirements for safety.
For more information, read the What Happens to Organics page.
Compost acts as an excellent soil amendment and is safe to use in gardens and on lawns, however, plants should not be placed in pure compost just as they should not be placed in pure fertilizer. One part compost should be mixed with six parts soil.
By donating your items, you’re helping Community Environment Days support local charities and keep items out of landfill.
| Year | Waste Diversion Statistics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | In-community events:
70,680 kg of electronics Drop-Off Depot events: 4,390 kg of electronics |
| 2023 | In-community events:
75,925 kg of electronics Drop-Off Depot events: 4,250 kg of electronics |
| 2022 | In-community events:
107,775 kg of electronics Drop-Off Depot events: 7,610 kg of electronics |
| 2021 | 29,470 kg of electronics 112,177 kg of household hazardous waste 30,293 kg of reusable household goodsCommunity Environment Days scheduled in 2021 were held at Drop-Off Depots to create a safe environment for residents to drop off items under COVID-19 restrictions. The City held 14 events at Drop-Off Depots in September and October. Food for donation was not accepted at these events. |
| 2020 | 28,020 kg of electronics 60,925 kg of household hazardous waste 28,020 kg of reusable household goodsCommunity Environment Days scheduled early in 2020 were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions on public events. To create a safe environment for residents to drop off items, the City held 7 events at Drop-Off Depots in October and November. Food for donation was not accepted at these events. |
| 2019 | 103,710 kg of electronics 354,890 kg of household hazardous waste 78,867 kg of reusable household goods 70 kg of food donated |
| 2018 | 99,595 kg of electronics 263,695 kg of household hazardous waste 51,682 kg of reusable household goods 15,030 kg of arts & crafts supplies 109 kg of food donated |
| 2017 | 99,370 kg of electronics 290,260 kg of household hazardous waste 48,790 kg of reusable household goods 9,840 kg of arts & crafts supplies 105 kg of food donated |
| 2016 | 125,200 kg of electronics 320,390 kg of household hazardous waste 57,350 kg of reusable household goods 7,830 kg of arts & crafts supplies 123 kg of food donated |
| 2015 | 111,185 kg of electronics 340,400 kg of household hazardous waste 56,470 kg of reusable household goods 13,535 kg of arts & crafts supplies |