Contact 311 to submit a service request for the removal of an abandoned bicycle, a bike locked to a City tree or displaying a for-sale sign, or to inquire about a lost bike that may have been removed.
The abandoned bike cleanup is part of the City’s spring cleanup program Clean Toronto Together, a month-long litter removal program that includes City divisions cleaning streets, parks and watercourses along with community-led clean-ups taking place in public spaces.
If you no longer want your bicycle, many organizations can take bicycle donations:
Derelict bikes (missing wheels, heavily rusted or not rideable) are removed by Solid Waste Management.
Rideable bikes are tagged by Transportation Services. The owner has 14 days to remove the bike or confirm it is not abandoned. If there is no response, the bike is scheduled for removal.
The City tracks and manages removed bicycles through a defined process:
Bikes are photographed and logged, including their location
Bikes are stored for up to 60 days to allow owners to claim them
If a bicycle is not claimed within 60 days:
It may be recycled as scrap metal, or
It may be donated to registered charities (pre-approved by the City)
Special Situations & Other Locations
Lost keys to a locked bike
The City will not cut locks from bikes at public bicycle rings because ownership cannot be verified. Contact a locksmith or bicycle shop to remove the lock. After removal, contact your local police division to report what was done.
Bikes on private property
If a bicycle is located on private property:
Contact your local Toronto Police Service division
Request a check through the TPS Bicycle Registry
If registered, police may contact the owner
The serial number is typically located on the bottom bracket (between the pedals).
